Kinect-powered cockroaches may lead emergency rescue teams soon

With some help from Microsoft's Kinect gaming accessory, cockroaches may be in for an image change from icky bugs to heroic rescuers.

 

Researchers in North Carolina State University are using Kinect to allow roaches to go on autopilot, with a computer steering them through a controlled environment.

 

"The researchers have incorporated Microsoft’s motion-sensing Kinect system into an electronic interface developed at NC State that can remotely control cockroaches. The researchers plug in a digitally plotted path for the roach, and use Kinect to identify and track the insect’s progress. The program then uses the Kinect tracking data to automatically steer the roach along the desired path," North Carolina State University said.

 

It said the goal is to find ways that roaches on autopilot "can be used to map dynamic environments – such as collapsed buildings."

 

Researchers used Kinect to collect data on how the roaches respond to the impulses from the remote-control interface.

 

With the data, researchers can fine-tune the steering controls for the roaches.

 

Guiding roaches

 

“Our goal is to be able to guide these roaches as efficiently as possible, and our work with Kinect is helping us do that,” said Dr. Alper Bozkurt, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at NC State and co-author of a paper on the work.

 

He said they are incorporating mapping technology and radio frequency techniques to let them use a small group of cockroaches "to explore and map disaster sites.”

 

“The autopilot program would control the roaches, sending them on the most efficient routes to provide rescuers with a comprehensive view of the situation,”he said.

 

Microphones and speakers

 

Researchers are eyeing sensors such as microphones to be mounted on the roaches, to detect survivors in collapsed buildings or other disaster areas.

 

“We may even be able to attach small speakers, which would allow rescuers to communicate with anyone who is trapped,” Bozkurt said.

 

While Bozkurt’s team had developed a technology to steer cockroaches remotely, Kinect will help develop the autopilot program and track the precise response of roaches to electrical impulses.

 

"So if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of requiring a search and rescue team, be kind to that herd of oncoming cockroaches. It just might mean reinforcements are on their way," tech site CNET commented. — TJD, GMA News