'Cyborg' Beetles Could Revolutionize Urban Search and Rescue

'Cyborg' beetles could revolutionize urban search and rescue

Common beetles equipped with microchip backpacks could one day be used to help search and rescue crews locate survivors within hours instead of days following disasters such as building and mine collapses.

‘Cyborg’ beetles could help search-and-rescue teams in aftermath of natural disasters, scientists say

Remote-controlled “cyborg beetles” could be used to help discover people trapped in collapsed buildings or mines, research has revealed.

‘Cyborg’ beetles could help rescue crews locate survivors after natural disasters

Australian researchers were able to control darkling beetles with removable electronic backpacks

New ‘Cyborg’ beetles could transform search and rescue - Manufacturers' Monthly

Image: UQ Beetles fitted with tiny, removable microchip backpacks could one day be deployed to locate survivors trapped under rubble in the aftermath of disasters such as earthquakes, building collapses and mine failures. University of Queensland researchers Dr Thang Vo-Doan and research assistant Lachlan Fitzgerald have successfully demonstrated that Zophobas morio, or darkling beetles, can be remotely guided using video game controllers. The…

UQ researchers develop remote-controlled beetles for search and rescue missions - Australian Manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Queensland are developing technology that could one day turn common beetles into life-saving tools for search and rescue operations in disaster zones.