Link to
video
While this may seem like a plot
out of a bad Sci-Fi novel, the U.S. military is currently
implementing plans on developing cyborg insects as its next line of
high-tech defense.
Dubbed as the Hybrid Insect MEMS (HI-MEMS) project, the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aims to
transform "insects into unmanned air-vehicles."
The project involves implanting micro-mechanical systems (MEMS),
coupled with human controlled machine-insect interfaces, into an
insect during the early stages of metamorphosis. These cyborg
insects can be used for all kinds of possible activities ranging
from simple surveillance to
even arming them with "bio weapons" for military purposes.
DARPA is currently working on research which can integrate MEMS
components into insects as they develop, creating living robots
that can be remotely controlled after it emerges from its cocoon.
The project is progressing at a rapid rate, with scientists
focusing which MEMS systems can best be integrated into insects and
when the best time for embedding these systems are.
There are still several issues involved with
the implementation of such technology. The idea of a fly
buzzing around with a closed-circuit television spying on you can
be a very disturbing one. Also, there are possibilities of using
such cyborg insects as lethal carriers of biological weapons.
However, Robert Michelson, a principal research engineer, mentions
that such ethical or legal dilemmas resulting from the future use
of weaponized cyborg insects are rather unfounded. He explains this
by saying: "No, not unless they could breed new cyborg insects,
which is not possible. Genetic
engineering will be the ethical and legal battleground, not
cybernetics."
Already, there have been a wealth of projects
related to this study. In a video (embedded below) taken from
NewScientist, you can take a look at a study that was conducted by
using electronic signals to control the flight of insects. Whatever
the case may be, the future of mechanized insects seem to be
now.
