Locomotion control of hybrid cockroach robots.
Natural systems retain significant advantages over engineered systems in many aspects, including size and versatility. In this research, we develop a hybrid robotic system using American (Periplaneta americana) and discoid (Blaberus discoidalis) cockroaches that uses the natural locomotion and robustness of the insect. A tethered control system was firstly characterized using American cockroaches, wherein implanted electrodes were used to apply an electrical stimulus to the prothoracic ganglia. Using this approach, larger discoid cockroaches were engineered into a remotely controlled hybrid robotic system. Locomotion control was achieved through electrical stimulation of the prothoracic ganglia, via a remotely operated backpack system and implanted electrodes. The backpack consisted of a microcontroller with integrated transceiver protocol, and a rechargeable battery. The hybrid discoid roach was able to walk, and turn in response to an electrical stimulus to its nervous system with high repeatability of 60%.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123, USA.
Carlos J
CJ
Sanchez
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123, USA.
Chen-Wei
CW
Chiu
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123, USA.
Yan
Y
Zhou
Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475, USA.
Jorge M
JM
González
Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2475, USA.
S Bradleigh
SB
Vinson
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3123, USA hliang@tamu.edu.
Hong
H
Liang
D000818:Animals; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D012371:Robotics / Q000379:methods*
biotechnology; hybrid robotics; insect control