Daniel Richardson

Japanese researchers are testing out technology that allows them to control cockroaches, and it has been proposed that the insect could help out around the house.

The sight of cockroaches can be pretty off-putting, but they could become a more regular feature in the lives of people as they are trained to be assistants. The Digital Nature Group, at the University of Tsukuba in Japan, focus on combining technology with the natural world and this has led them to the manipulation of cockroach senses. It should be noted the video that illustrates the technology may be distressing for those who dislike insects.

By stimulating the nerves of the cockroach, researchers believe swarms of cockroaches can be used to undertake daily tasks. Due to the insects’ strength and ability to collaborate, it is thought the insect could work with several others to push things around and undertake tasks. The use of multiple insects also avoids cases of individuals who refuse to follow the command, which is proven to happen when numerous insects have been encouraged to carry out an activity.

When the commands stop, the cockroaches should return to a dark area and eat, before being called upon again.

The inputs into the nervous system, the fact that cockroaches would be in the same area as a person, and the possibility of giving the insect more impetus such as audio cues probably won’t sit well with many. Not only is it pretty scary, but it also seems pretty cruel to the swarm of cockroaches. Nonetheless, the Digital Nature Group look set to continue seeing how nature and technology can combine.

Read the original story here.