Everybody calm down! Its going to be alright! The robotic cockroaches are here to save the day! <\/p>\n
So maybe that line sounds a bit far-fetched now, but cyborg bugs really could help save lives someday. Researchers are experimenting with using remote-controlled roaches to explore disaster-stricken buildings. (ViaYouTube \/ Buzz60) <\/p>\n
The current plan is to send cockroaches into hard-to-explore areas equipped with tiny electronic backpacks. The roaches spread out randomly, and then seek out and follow along walls on command. A map of the area can then be made based on how close each bug is to its neighbors. (ViaGigaOM) <\/p>\n
Lead researcher Dr. Edgar Lobaton says the insect explorers could be useful mapping out collapsed buildings where GPS signals cant be used. <\/p>\n
We focused on how to map areas where you have little or no precise information on where each biobot is. This would give first responders a good idea of the layout in a previously unmapped area.(ViaNorth Carolina State University) <\/p>\n
Although this study presents a novel use for cockroaches, the concept of bio-bugs has been developed pretty thoroughly in recent science. <\/p>\n
Popular Scienceeven has an instruction manual on how to build your very own biobug for just $50. <\/p>\n
Theres even aKickstartercampaign peddling commercial cyborg roach kits for the classroom. The project aims to teach people about how brains work, in bugs and in people. <\/p>\n
But all this rampant bugbot experimentation has raised a few moral concerns. <\/p>\n
Bio-ethicists have voiced concerns that remotely controlled cockroaches might suffer permanent physical or mental damage. Also, the whole mind-control aspect is a little unsettling. (ViaBusiness Insider) <\/p>\n
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The rest is here: <\/p>\n
Cyborg cockroaches could scout dangerous areas<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Everybody calm down! Its going to be alright! The robotic cockroaches are here to save the day! So maybe that line sounds a bit far-fetched now, but cyborg bugs really could help save lives someday. Researchers are experimenting with using remote-controlled roaches to explore disaster-stricken buildings. (ViaYouTube \/ Buzz60) The current plan is to send cockroaches into hard-to-explore areas equipped with tiny electronic backpacks Continue reading