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Robotics

Cyborg cockroaches with tiny injectors could one day aid rescue teams, researchers say

Cyborg cockroaches with medical injectors could deliver aid to trapped people, Australian researchers say.

AI News Feed · 2026-08-27 17:52

Known as 'paraborgs', the insects were developed by biorobotics researchers at the University of Queensland with biomedical engineers at the University of New South Wales, according to The Guardian. The team fitted the giant burrowing cockroach, a far north Queensland species, with lightweight electronics and a remotely activated auto-injection system designed for the species.

Thang Vo-Doan, a UQ biorobotics engineer, said cyborg insects have been designed for search and exploration for the past couple of decades. 'We wanted to take the next step. Once they find someone, can they actually help?' The augmentation, he said, could allow these insects to deliver timely emergency assistance when direct access to people trapped in narrow, debris-filled spaces isn't possible.

In proof-of-concept testing, the paraborgs achieved 95 percent success with close-range injection from within 15 centimeters of a target. The full navigation-and-injection task succeeded in 72 percent of trials.

PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le said accurate positioning was a major engineering challenge. 'The cyborg insect has to navigate to the target, position itself accurately and remain stable enough to perform the injection,' Le said. 'A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you're trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death.'

The cockroaches are anaesthetised while electrodes and microchips are fitted, and live as long as other cockroaches once the harnesses are removed, according to the researchers.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Tim Hassiotis said the technology could extend the reach of rescue teams. 'If cyborg insects can safely enter spaces we can't, locate casualties and ultimately help deliver emergency care, they could become another valuable tool in the future of urban search and rescue,' he said.

Vo-Doan said the longer-term vision is to deploy swarms of specialised cyborg insects with complementary roles. 'Hopefully, within the next five to 10 years, we could see cyborg insect rescue teams deployed to help people in real emergencies,' he said.