Computer-mounted cyborg cockroach swarms could help in rescue missions [Video]

Multi-robot system navigation on hard terrain has always been a difficult task.

This is because traditional robots are inherently limited in avoiding collisions, adapting to novel surroundings, and maintaining an energy economy.

To solve this, new research proposes integrating living insects with miniature electronic controllers to enable programmable control similar to robots, addressing existing limitations.

Additionally, it introduces a novel control algorithm tailored for swarming behavior. “The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated through an experimental validation in which a cyborg swarm was successfully navigated through an unknown sandy field with obstacles and hills,” the study says.

The team claims that such a technology would enable multi-robot swarms to be used effectively in search and rescue missions.

The details of the studydone by …