https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/27/cockroaches-used-search-rescue-earthquakes-science-technology-australia

When you're finished shuddering, you can read the article. Brief clip:

For people trapped under rubble in an earthquake or similar disaster, the arrival of a fleet of cockroaches could one day be the difference between life and death.

Biorobotics engineers have been working on the design of six-legged cyborg insects with cameras and miniature medical injectors for search and rescue missions.

The roaches are designed to deliver emergency aid to people trapped in collapsed buildings, caves or other places too dangerous for rescuers to reach.

Here's what DARPA was doing with the same sort of thing 5 years ago.

https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/darpa-remote-control-insects/

Interestingly, DARPA is also modeling AI after the neural networks of the tiniest flying insects for efficiency and more miniaturization.

https://www.militaryaerospace.com/home/article/16709591/darpa-eyes-tiny-insects-as-models-for-artificial-intelligence-ai-computing

Time to get out the tin foil hats before they start controlling human brains.... (just kidding)

2 hours ago, npts2020 said:

Here's what DARPA was doing with the same sort of thing 5 years ago.

Unfortunately DARPA wants them for clandestine surveillance, not earthquake rescue.

36 minutes ago, MigL said:

Unfortunately DARPA wants them for clandestine surveillance, not earthquake rescue.

Isn't that the case for a lot of things? Military applications come first as they seem to have more money, but technology developed can migrate to civilian areas.

Paul

7 hours ago, MigL said:

Unfortunately DARPA wants them for clandestine surveillance, not earthquake rescue.

True, but that's the case with all research done by the military. Rockets weren't invented to take people to the moon or put satellites in orbit...