Self-Powered Cockroach Cyborgs

Feb-06-14 A fuel cell able to run off of the glucose in a cockroach’s body could allow the insects to function as self-powered cyborgs able to search out (and creep out) disaster victims.

The new fuel cell runs off a sugar contained in the creature’s body fluid, which is accessed via a narrow pipe inserted into the roach. The fluid enters a tank, where enzymes convert it to glucose which in turn is oxidized by electrons. Tests have demonstrated that the cockroach can generate up to 50.2 microwatts of power, which could allow them to cover a large area for much less than the cost of conventional sensor networks.

Researchers have already developed a technique that allows them to remotely control a sensor-equipped cockroach.

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[INHABITAT.COM]
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