Radio Controlled Beetles
Does your quadcopter lack the maneuverability you would like from an RC vehicle? Or perhaps you just wish it would be 1/8th of the size and capable of scratching people. Apparently that's what scientists want too, which is why they've been busily ...
Does your quadcopter lack the maneuverability you would like from an RC vehicle? Or perhaps you just wish it would be 1/8th of the size and capable of scratching people.
Apparently that’s what scientists want too, which is why they’ve been busily working on a means to control actual insects as though they were quadcopters. They’ve accomplished this by using a small electronic backpack which attaches to the insects – or giant flower beetles to be precise – and then controls their steering in flight.
This technology wasn’t really developed for kicks and giggles though. And for the conspiracy theorists out there, it wasn’t designed for taking-over-the-world purposes either with zombies. Instead, this device was originally created with the intention of studying the insects by keeping them still and gaining insight into how they fly.
But in theory this could also be used for all kinds of other amazing applications. Perhaps for delivering nutrients for instance or for search and rescue missions.
How does it work? Simply by selectively stimulating muscles using small electrical impulses. And some of this works by using commercially available parts. So in theory you could create your own beetle army.
Just remember: with great power comes great responsibility!
Source – Gizmag
