Australian researchers turn giant cockroaches into cyborg first responders

Researchers at the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales have equipped giant burrowing cockroaches (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) with tiny backpacks carrying a camera, a syringe and medical supplies. The electrode-steered "paraborgs" deliver drugs to disaster victims trapped in rubble, hitting targets 72% of the time and 95% from within 6 inches.

• Cockroaches carry a camera, dart-like syringe and medical supplies
• Implanted electrodes stimulate the nervous system to steer the insects
• Drug delivery success rate is 72%, rising to 95% at close range
• All test cockroaches reached checkpoints, a 100% success rate