Recently, research on cyborg insects has been active overseas. A research team from Japan and Singapore has succeeded in controlling a group of them and guiding them to their destination. A group of 20 Madagascar cockroaches carrying luggage walk slowly through a sandbox that mimics a wasteland. This movement is controlled by stimulating the sensory organs on their buttocks. Each of these cockroaches is equipped with a different sensor for location information, gas detection, etc. By attaching different sensors to each individual, they can move faster than if multiple sensors were attached to one cockroach. The key to control them is to give them “freedom” by respecting the insect’s instincts.
In the case of frequent disaster relief, the approach of using insects will be an option in the future. The future is approaching when “cyborg insects” equipped with sensors and machines will play an active role in saving lives in disaster-stricken areas. Insects can climb even vertical walls and enter anywhere. In Japan, it was cockroaches, but a research team from the University of Queensland in Australia has set their sights on mealworms. It is said that mealworms can carry loads ten times their body weight. They can carry many sensors and machines, which allows them to carry out exploration activities. On the other hand, the Australian research team also has environmental considerations. In Australia, the import of invasive insects is severely restricted. If invasive species increase, the domestic ecosystem will be disturbed. Therefore, they have devised a method to prevent the proliferation of invasive species and not leave any impact on the surrounding environment.
The aging of Japan’s infrastructure is becoming a reality with the recent collapse of a sewer system. The road bridges and waterworks that supported Japan’s high economic growth are now over 50 years old. The collapse of infrastructure will cause major social problems. In Japan as a whole, 63% of road bridges and 62% of river management facilities will be over 50 years old by 2033. Even just for road bridges, more than 700,000 inspections will be required. Governments must budget for the costs of maintaining and updating this infrastructure. It seems that about 2.5 trillion yen is needed every year just for the road sector. With Japan’s current national power, it is not possible to get through this by building new infrastructure. Most of the infrastructure will have to be repaired to extend its lifespan. Insect robots may be useful for more reliable inspections. I look forward to the emergence of insect robots that can reliably carry out disaster relief and infrastructure inspections at low cost.
