A swarm of giant cockroaches may sound like something from a nightmare, but Australian scientists believe the insects could one day help save lives during earthquakes, building collapses and other disasters. Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales have developed cyborg cockroaches, dubbed “paraborgs,” fitted with miniature cameras and drug-delivery devices.

Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales have developed cyborg cockroaches, dubbed “paraborgs,” fitted with miniature cameras and drug-delivery devices.

The researchers hope the insects could enter narrow, debris-filled spaces that may be inaccessible to human rescuers and provide basic medical assistance to people trapped under rubble.

“A lot of people might not like the sight of a giant cockroach scurrying towards them, but if you’re trapped in rubble or stuck in a cave and need help, it could make a real difference between life and death,” said PhD candidate Hai Nhan Le.

The research team used North Queensland giant burrowing cockroaches, the world’s heaviest cockroach species. The insects can grow up to 8.5 centimeters in length.

Scientists fitted the cockroaches with small backpacks containing syringe cylinders and cameras. Electrodes implanted into the insects allow operators to remotely stimulate their nervous systems and guide their movements.

The researchers said the insects offer advantages that conventional robots currently cannot match, including their agility, resilience and low power requirements.

One cockroach, described as an “observer,” carries a camera to help locate victims or targets. A second insect carries the medication and can be remotely triggered to deliver it.

According to the study, the research goes beyond earlier cyborg insect projects, which primarily focused on locating victims rather than providing medical assistance.

The paraborgs recorded a 100% success rate in reaching designated checkpoints during testing.

The overall drug-delivery success rate stood at 72%, but researchers said the success rate increased to as high as 95% when the injection device was launched within 15 centimeters of the target.

The technology could eventually help stabilize disaster victims before rescue teams reach them.

Researchers said the system may also have potential applications in other emergencies where immediate treatment is crucial, including snake bites and severe allergic reactions.

Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.

Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.