Cambodia Explores Underwater Cyborg Cockroaches for Disaster Rescue

Singapore and Japanese scientists have developed a groundbreaking "diving suit" designed to enhance the capabilities of cyborg cockroaches in disaster rescue operations. This innovation holds potential for application in countries like Cambodia, which are prone to natural disasters. The flexible diving suit, a collaborative effort between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and Waseda University in Japan, enables the insects to survive and move underwater, as well as in low-oxygen environments, for up to three hours. Equipped with infrared cameras, sensors, and electrodes, these cyborg cockroaches can assist in locating survivors in disaster-stricken areas. Previously, the use of these roaches was limited as they rely on their natural respiratory system and cannot take in oxygen when fully submerged. To overcome this, researchers developed a miniature suit comprising an oxygen-generation tank, a flexible shell, and four silicone oxygen-supply tubes. Diluted hydrogen peroxide is injected into a 3D-printed tank containing a sponge coated with manganese dioxide. The reaction releases oxygen, which is channeled through the shell and tubes to the cockroach's spiracles, allowing it to breathe underwater. The suit was tested using the Madagascar hissing cockroach, a species commonly used in cyborg insect research due to its size and robustness. The team's findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications. Hirotaka Sato, a professor at NTU's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, explained, "Our new insect diving suit works like the oxygen tank used by human divers. It generates oxygen and delivers it directly to the insect’s breathing holes, allowing the cyborg cockroach to survive and move in underwater or low-oxygen environments." He highlighted the importance of this advancement, especially as heavy rains and flooding can obstruct access to disaster areas. Shinjiro Umezu, a professor at Waseda University's School of Creative Science and Engineering, noted that the key engineering challenge was to create a system that was small, light, and flexible enough for the insect to wear, while still producing sufficient oxygen for extended underwater movement. "Our approach combines a soft waterproof shell with a simple yet reliable chemical oxygen generator. This allows the insect to retain its natural mobility while being protected from an environment that it cannot normally survive in," he added. The researchers are currently testing the diving suit in simulated disaster environments and aim to improve its durability and integrate sensors and navigation systems. They suggest that beyond search-and-rescue, the suit could potentially be used for inspecting flooded pipes and tunnels. Given Cambodia's history of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, such innovative technology could significantly enhance the efficiency of life-saving operations.