In what feels like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, tiny cyborg cockroaches are being deployed in a real-world rescue mission. Following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar that caused widespread destruction, futuristic robotic insects are now joining the frontline of relief operations.
These specially engineered hybrids—part insect, part machine—are designed to assist rescue teams in locating people trapped beneath rubble. With many individuals still missing, these high-tech cockroaches are expected to significantly boost search and rescue efforts. Developed through a cutting-edge collaboration between Singapore’s Home Team Science and Technology Agency, Nanyang Technological University, and Klass Engineering and Solutions, these aren’t your average pests—they’re miniature marvels of robotics.
Equipped with Cameras and Infrared Sensors
Outfitted with tiny cameras and infrared sensors, the cyborg cockroaches can crawl into tight, dangerous spaces where human rescuers or machines can’t reach. As they scuttle through the debris, they relay real-time visuals and thermal readings, helping identify signs of life hidden beneath collapsed structures.
A total of 10 such robotic hybrids have been developed so far. Initially scheduled for deployment in 2026, the urgency of the situation in Myanmar has prompted scientists to fast-track their use. The cockroaches will be used in severely affected regions, including Naypyidaw and Mandalay, to aid in disaster relief and search operations.
This technology represents a significant step forward in disaster response, potentially saving lives by accessing places that are otherwise inaccessible to human rescuers.
