A cyborg beetle: wireless neural flight control of a free-flying insect

We recently demonstrated the remote control of insects in free flight via an implantable radio-equipped miniature neural stimulating system. The system consisted of neural stimulators, muscular stimulators, a radio transceiverequipped microcontroller and a microbattery. Flight initiation, cessation and elevation control were accomplished through neural stimulus of the brain which elicited, suppressed or modulated wing oscillation. Turns were triggered through the direct muscular stimulus of either of the basalar muscles. We believe this type of technology will open the door to in-flight perturbation and recording of insect flight responses.

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