Ever fancied having the ability to control Cockroaches? If you have, then the new RoboRoach application and hardware might be just up your street.
The RoboRoach project has just launched on Kickstarter and has been designed to allow you to control living cockroaches via your smartphone.
A RoboRoach backpack needs to be fitted to the cockroach you would like to control and the system then uses neuroscience and neural engineering to create the control mechanism. Check out the video below to learn more. Backyards Brains, the creators of the RoboRoach system, explain:
“When you send the command from your mobile phone, the backpack sends pulses to the antenna, which causes the neurons to fire, which causes the roach to think there is a wall on one side. The result? The roach turns! Microstimulation is the same neurotechnology that is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease and is also used in Cochlear Implants.”
How RoboRoach Works
The RoboRoach system is a fascinating blend of biology and technology. The backpack, which is a small electronic device, is attached to the cockroach’s back. Electrodes are then connected to the cockroach’s antennae. When a command is sent from the smartphone app, the backpack sends electrical pulses to the electrodes. These pulses stimulate the neurons in the cockroach’s antennae, tricking the insect into thinking it has encountered an obstacle. Consequently, the cockroach changes direction.
This technology is not just a novelty; it has significant educational potential. By using RoboRoach, students and enthusiasts can learn about neural pathways, bioengineering, and the basics of neuroscience in a hands-on manner. The project aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.
Ethical Considerations and Future Applications
While the RoboRoach project is undoubtedly innovative, it also raises ethical questions. The manipulation of living creatures for educational or entertainment purposes can be controversial. Backyard Brains addresses these concerns by emphasizing the educational value of the project and ensuring that the cockroaches are not harmed during the process. The company provides detailed instructions on how to attach the backpack humanely and responsibly.
Looking ahead, the principles behind RoboRoach could have broader applications. For instance, similar technology could be used in pest control, where insects could be guided away from crops or homes without the need for harmful chemicals. Additionally, the research could contribute to advancements in neural prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces, potentially benefiting medical science.
The RoboRoach project is currently over on the Kickstarter website looking to raise enough pledges to make the jump from concept to production. So if you think RoboRoach is something you could benefit from, visit the Kickstarter website now to make a pledge and help RoboRoach become a reality.
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