Scientists at NTU Singapore have pioneered the world’s first automated cyborg insect assembly line, significantly reducing production time and paving the way for large-scale deployment in disaster response scenarios.
In a groundbreaking advancement, a team of scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) led by Hirotaka Sato has created the world’s first automated assembly line for cyborg insects. This pioneer system, detailed in a paper published in Nature Communications, uses AI-powered robotics to quickly and efficiently attach miniature electronic backpacks to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, transforming them into insect-hybrid robots.
The innovative approach slashes the preparation time from over an hour to just 1 minute and 8 seconds per insect, making it about 60 times faster than traditional methods that relied on skilled operators.
The system demonstrated unprecedented efficiency, completing the assembly of four insects in under 8 minutes, marking it about 30 times quicker than manual processes.
“Our innovation makes the dream of deploying large numbers of cyborg insects in real-life scenarios far more practical,” Sato, a professor at NTU Singapore’s School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said in a news release. “Manual preparation is time-consuming and very dependent on skilled operators. By automating the process, we can produce insect-hybrid robots rapidly and consistently. It will allow us to prepare them in large numbers, which will be critical in time-sensitive operations such as post-disaster search and rescue.”
How the Cyborg Insects Work
Unlike conventional robots, these cyborg insects move naturally using their limbs, guided by gentle electrical stimulations delivered through implanted electrodes connected to a lightweight circuit board on their backs.
The AI-enabled robotic assembly system employs computer vision and a proprietary algorithm to precisely place the electrodes, ensuring optimal functionality.
The researchers also developed a new generation of backpacks that stimulate the insects more efficiently, using 25% less voltage than earlier models while maintaining precise control of movements.
This enhancement will extend operational time and reduce the risk of overstimulation. During laboratory tests, the hybrid insects showcased their capabilities by executing sharp turns and speed adjustments on command.
Real-World Use
The potential applications of these cyborg insects in real-world scenarios are profound, especially in areas where traditional robots may falter.
On March 30, 2025, 10 cyborg insects were deployed for the first time in a humanitarian mission in Myanmar, alongside the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) during Operation Lionheart after a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake.
This marked both the first-ever field deployment of insect-hybrid robots and their inaugural use in a humanitarian operation, demonstrating their value in locating survivors amidst disaster debris where traditional robots would have struggled.
“With learning from our field deployment, it’s now essential to create infrastructure that supports mass production and deployment,” added Sato. “Our assembly line is the first step towards that goal, and we believe it will pave the way for more reliable cyborg applications, such as inspecting large civil structures for defects.”
Future Prospects
Sato, renowned internationally for his pioneering work in cyborg insects, envisions significant advancements in this technological domain.
His team aims to refine the current assembly system and collaborate with local partners to enhance its industrial viability.
His pioneering research has previously been lauded in major publications like TIME magazine’s “50 Best Inventions of the Year” and MIT Technology Review’s “10 Emerging Technologies.”