It's Robo-Roach. Is it a Cockroach or is it a robot? Actually it's both. Japan's most prestigious higher learning center Tsukuba University has been doing some very interesting research. The head of the bio-robot team, Assistant Professor Isao Shimoyama says that "Insects can do many things that humans can't. The potential applications of this work for mankind could be immense."

The roaches are anesthetized with carbon dioxide before their wings and antenna are removed. Then where the antenna used to be researchers attach pulse emitting electrodes, and a backpack with micro electronics. With a remote control the researchers are able to send signals to control the insects movements. The signals can make the roach turn right or left, run forward or jump backwards.

Within a few years Shimoyama says electronically controlled insects carrying miniature cameras or other sensors will be able to undertake many sensitive missions - Such as crawling through earthquake rubble to search for victims.

The roach of choice is the American cockroach, because it's bigger and hardier than most other species.

Look out! Here come the animal rights people. :)

I'm going to try and make this an ongoing article and update it as often as possible, but I need your help. If you know of any new and interesting uses of hi-tech, let me know.
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