Imagine a swarm of cockroaches being released in the aftermath of a disaster zone. They scuttle under rubble and dive through flooded pipes. All the while, their attached infrared cameras scan for people. While it may sound like a science fiction film, scientists studying remote-controlled insects are gradually turning this into reality.<\/p>\n
\u2018Cyborg insects\u2019 are living insects fitted with electronic controllers, and can be guided to move using electrical impulses. Scientists at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), led by Hirotaka Sato, have spent over a decade researching this technology and developing cyborg insects that can be used across land, air \u2013 and now water.<\/p>\n
And they were deployed during Operation Lionheart, a search and rescue mission after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on 28th March 2025.<\/p>\n
Cockroaches are known for their hardiness but can\u2019t breathe underwater. So, Sato\u2019s team began developing a 3D-printed \u2018diving suit\u2019 that allows the cockroaches to move in conditions similar to those after a flood, for example.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur new insect diving suit works like the oxygen tank used by human divers,\u201d explains Sato.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt generates oxygen and delivers it directly to the insect\u2019s breathing holes [thoracic spiracles], allowing the cyborg cockroach to survive and move in underwater or low-oxygen environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oxygen is delivered via tubes which are attached to the cockroach\u2019s thoracic spiracles. The researchers say that these can be later removed without causing pain or harm to the cockroach.<\/p>\n
The suit was tested on Madagascar hissing cockroaches, partly due to their relatively large size, robustness and a lack of wings.<\/p>\n
To test the suit, the researchers built plastic tubes that simulated an environment with low oxygen levels (and higher CO2 levels), as well as underwater sections. Cyborg cockroaches were guided through the tubes. Those with the suit survived underwater for up to three hours. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
A video from the researchers demonstrating cyborg cockroaches, one with the diving suit and one without, navigating a low-oxygen and underwater environment. Credit: FAN, Z., KAI, K., SONG, K.\u00a0et al.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The scientists stress the importance of this work in relation to search-and-rescue missions.<\/p>\n
\u201cReal disaster sites can be challenging after heavy rain or flooding, blocking access routes in the rubble, drains and narrow gaps,\u201d says Sato.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy expanding the operating parameters of our cyborg insects to include underwater travel, we believe that they can enhance search and rescue efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Further research is being done to test the diving suit in simulated disaster environments, as well as to integrate sensors and navigation systems.<\/p>\n
The team adds that none of the insects were harmed during the research (for example, cockroaches without diving suits were taken out of the tubes and into fresh air until they recovered) and that all were treated in line with research guidelines.<\/p>\n