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Science & Technology

Cyborg cockroach project launched

By T.K. Randall
June 11, 2013 · Comment icon 9 comments

Image Credit: CC 2.0 Thomas Quine
Semi-robotic insects that can be controlled with a mobile phone are being developed by researchers.
The unusual project is being debuted at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh and is designed to be a neuroscience learning tool. The brainchild of scientist Greg Gage, the "RoboRoach" will be equipped with a special backpack that can communicate directly with the neurons in the insect's antennae.

"This is not just a gimmick, the technique is the same as that used to treat Parkinson's disease and in cochlear implants," said Gage. "The point of the project is to create a tool to learn about how our brain works. We are pretty certain that this doesn't impose pain on the insect and they still have free will because they adapt very quickly and ignore the stimulation."
A project aimed at creating cyborg cockroaches is being launched at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh. The insects, intended as a neuroscience learning tool, are controlled via a mobile phone.


Source: BBC News | Comments (9)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #1 Posted by Jessem 12 years ago
And its begun! Just when I thought the damned things could'nt get worse!
Comment icon #2 Posted by paperdyer 12 years ago
The fly on the wall spy device will be come the roach in the wall spy device.
Comment icon #3 Posted by shrooma 12 years ago
QUOTE- Semi-robotic insects that can be controlled with a mobile phone are being developed by researchers. . bugger that!! people are happy enough with blackjack & tetris on their phones, so stop messing around with 'roaches, dummies, and get back to work on my GODDAMN HOVERBOOTS!! :-)
Comment icon #4 Posted by highdesert50 12 years ago
I would be hard-pressed to find a better metaphor for this project than a cockroach.
Comment icon #5 Posted by Frank Merton 12 years ago
I think such critters could be useful for things like cleaning out drains, picking up litter, pulling weeds, painting houses and highways, maybe even (if they are small enough) cleaning your teeth.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Lava_Lady 12 years ago
I think such critters could be useful for things like cleaning out drains, picking up litter, pulling weeds, painting houses and highways, maybe even (if they are small enough) cleaning your teeth. Clean my teeth??? Ewww!!! No, thank you. Maybe your teeth but not mine.
Comment icon #7 Posted by s33ker 12 years ago
Hopefully in a few years, they can also mount some little cannons and cameras on their backs for Roach wars.
Comment icon #8 Posted by Dendera 12 years ago
Like they need another way to survive the Apocalypse. ewww teeth cleaning roaches...
Comment icon #9 Posted by richardf2013 11 years ago
It starts with insects, then it will be applied to bigger organisms............


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