AssetID: 54917172
Headline: Remote Controlled 'Cyborg' Beetles Could Help Rescue Crews Locate Survivors After Natural Disasters
Caption: Australian scientists have created remote-controlled “cyborg beetles” that could help locate people trapped under rubble or in collapsed buildings. By fitting darkling beetles with tiny backpacks controlled by a game remote, researchers can guide their movements through tight, chaotic spaces. The system works by stimulating the beetles' antennae and forewings using electrodes — without harming or shortening their lifespan. Beetles are natural climbers with incredible agility, making them ideal for navigating debris where traditional robots struggle. They can move side-to-side, climb vertical walls, and adapt to complex terrain thanks to their advanced sensing abilities. The aim is to develop a rescue tool that can reach disaster victims quickly, assess injuries, and guide emergency response efforts with precision.
Keywords: Science & Technology,cyborg beetles,remote-controlled insects,search and rescue,disaster recovery,collapsed buildings,darkling beetles,insect robotics,rescue technology,climbing beetles,programmable controls,University of Queensland,environmental sensing,soft interactions,Singaporean scientists,stag beetles,robotic alternatives,rubble navigation,emergency response,tech,technology
PersonInImage: