Cyborg beetle research allows free-flight study of insects

Hard-wiring beetles for radio-controlled flight turns out to be a fitting way to learn more about their biology. Cyborg insect research led by engineers at UC Berkeley and Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is enabling new revelations about a muscle used by beetles for finely graded turns. Research video showing remote-controlled steering of a giant flower beetle flying untethered (Video courtesy of Hirotaka Sato/NTU Singapore) By strapping tiny computers and wireless radios onto the backs of giant flower beetles and recording neuromuscular data as the bugs flew untethered, scientists determined that a muscle known for controlling the folding of wings was also critical to steering. The researchers then used that information to improve the precision of the beetles' remote-controlled turns. This study, published today (Monday, March 16) in the journal Current Biology , showcases the potential of wireless sensors in biological research. Research in this field could also lead to applications such as tools to aid search-and-rescue operations in areas too dangerous for humans. A giant flower beetle is shown flying with an electronic backpack.