A German/US company is working on a hybrid made up of live cockroaches and AI control to produce bio-robotic systems, aka fully controllable living insects, that could be used for "mission-critical operations".
Swarm Biotactics has raised 10ドル million in seed funding, bringing its total raised to 13ドル million and plans to create bio-robotic swarms consisting of cockroaches each equipped with a custom-built backpack for control, sensing, and secure communication.
[画像:swarm]
The palm-sized cockroaches shown in the publicity carry small backpacks containing the miniaturized electronics for controlling the insects.
The control mechanism for the cockroaches is based on microelectronic implants that stimulate specific neural pathways. Research already carried out in academic studies has used such techniques to successfully guide insects, such as cockroaches and beetles, using the microelectronic implants. Swarm Biotactics say the studies have shown that it is possible to achieve precise control over the movement of these organisms, enabling them to navigate through complex environments.
The company says their modular bio-robotic swarms will augment the natural mobility of real organisms with AI, advanced sensors, and swarm intelligence – enabling silent access, close-range ISR, and real-time data collection where no other system can reach. I have to say the idea of a swarm of hand-sized cockroaches carrying backpacks scurrying around spying sounds more horror film than scientific advance, but there again I'm not that keen on cockroaches anyway.
The company suggests bio-robots could be used for disaster response, where bio-robots can be equipped with sensors to navigate through rubble and find trapped individuals as their natural agility allows them to access areas that are difficult for conventional robots.
Moritz Strube, one of the founders of Swarm Biotactics, also suggests the bio-robots could be used for environmental monitoring to inspect hazardous areas, such as sites with high levels of radiation or pollution, providing real-time data without risking human lives.
The company doesn't seem to be stopping at the concept of cyborg cockroaches. Writing on Substack, Strube said:
"Additionally, experiments with mammals, such as rats, have demonstrated the feasibility of using neural interfaces to influence behavior in a controlled manner, providing further proof of concept. The development of these technologies has been facilitated by advancements in miniaturized electronics, neural stimulation techniques, and understanding of animal neurobiology, all of which have laid the foundation for practical bio-robotics applications. We're now taking the next step—turning scientific theory into practical, real-world applications."
Strube acknowledges that such technology raises ethical questions:
"We understand these concerns and take them seriously. As with many technological advances, a balance must be struck between risk and benefit. We believe that, given the transformative possibilities for the benefit of humanity, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks and harm. By ensuring transparency and strict ethical oversight, we strive to use bio-robotics to create positive impacts for society."
So, AI-controlled cockroaches and rat swarms, anyone?
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