Locomotion control of hybrid cockroach robots

What is it about?

Locomotion control was achieved through electrical stimulation of the thoracic ganglia, via a remotely operated backpack system and implanted electrodes. The backpack consisted of a microcontroller with integrated transceiver protocol, and a rechargeable micro battery. The hybrid Discoid roach was able to walk, and turn in response to an electrical stimulus to its nervous system with high repeatability.

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Why is it important?

Engineering has surpassed nature through successfully sending jumbo jets and space shuttles to the sky and space. In a much smaller length scale, nature still retains significant advantages over engineered devices. This research enables our capability to control insects that would help us in various ways.

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