Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a 3D-printed remote-controlled cyborg cockroach equipped with an infrared camera. The living insect is fitted with a flexible scuba suit that allows it to survive and move underwater for up to three hours at a depth of 50 centimeters. The suit uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide to produce oxygen, avoiding the need for a heavy pressurized tank.
The team, led by Hirotaka Sato, aims to use swarms of these cyborg roaches in disaster areas to find survivors. Cockroaches are ideal platforms due to their resilience: they can survive weeks without food, withstand high radiation, and navigate various terrains. The researchers plan to test them in harsher environments, including potential extraterrestrial exploration on Mars.