Communications of the ACM
Research Paves Way for Cyborg Moth 'Biobots'
Researchers at North Carolina State University are working to electonically manipulate the flight muscles of moths.
Credit: Alper Bozkurt
North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers are developing ways to electronically manipulate the flight muscles of moths, which could eventually lead to remote-controlled "biobots" for use in emergency search and rescue operations, says NCSU professor Alper Bozkurt.
"The idea would be to attach sensors to moths in order to create a flexible, aerial sensor network that can identify survivors or public health hazards in the wake of a disaster," he says.
Bozkurt worked with Cornell University's Amit Lal to create a way to attach electrodes to a moth during its pupal stage, when the caterpillar is in a cocoon. Bozkurt's team affixed electrodes to the muscle groups responsible for a moth's flight, enabling the team to monitor its electromyographic signals. The moth was linked to a wireless platform suspended in mid-air by electromagnets to give the moth freedom to turn left and right.
"By watching how the moth uses its wings to steer while in flight, and matching those movements with their corresponding electromyographic signals, we're getting a much better understanding of how moths maneuver through the air," Bozkurt says. "We're optimistic that this information will help us develop technologies to remotely control the movements of moths in flight."
He says the ultimate goal is creating biobots that can be part of a cyberphysical sensor network.
From NCSU News
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