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Updated: Aug 24, 2025
10:17
Insect-machine Hybrid System: Remote Radio Control of a Freely Flying Beetle Mercynorrhina torquata
Published on: September 2, 2016
12.3K
A Cyborg Insect Reveals a Function of a Muscle in Free Flight
T Thang Vo-Doan1,2, V Than Dung1, Hirotaka Sato1
1Nanyang Technological University, School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Singapore.
Cyborg and Bionic Systems (Washington, D.C.)
|October 26, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed an insect-computer hybrid robot using a living beetle for flight control. Electrical stimulation of subalar muscles enabled braking, elevation, and maneuverability in the beetle MAV (micro aerial vehicle).
Area of Science:
- Bio-inspired robotics
- Insect flight biomechanics
- Neuro-robotic interfaces
Background:
- Engineers strive to replicate insect flight in micro aerial vehicles (MAVs).
- Insects are highly efficient and maneuverable fliers.
- Living insects offer a potential platform for MAVs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate flight control of a living insect using electrical muscle stimulation.
- To develop an insect-computer hybrid robot for MAV applications.
- To explore the control capabilities of stimulating specific flight muscles in beetles.
Main Methods:
- A wireless backpack controller was interfaced with a living beetle.
- Electrical stimulation was applied to the beetle's flight muscles (basalar, subalar, and third axillary).
- Wing kinematics and flight maneuvers were analyzed based on muscle stimulation.
Main Results:
- Electrical stimulation of subalar muscles achieved braking and elevation control.
- Individual subalar muscle stimulation induced ~20 degrees of contralateral yaw and roll.
- Simultaneous stimulation of both subalar muscles increased pitch by 20 degrees, decelerated flight, and induced elevation.
Conclusions:
- Living insects can be controlled as hybrid MAVs through targeted muscle stimulation.
- Subalar muscle stimulation offers precise control over braking, elevation, pitch, yaw, and roll.
- This approach advances bio-hybrid robotics and insect flight control research.
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