FLIGHT CONTROL OF 10 GRAM INSECTS BY IMPLANTED NEURAL STIMULATORS

Abstract

We present several important advances on the flight-control microsystem for a cyborg beetle presented recently Giant beetles (Mecynorhina torquata) were employed to achieve larger payloads than the previously used Cotinis texana beetles. A new turning control method based on direct neural stimulation of the optic lobes (compound eyes) was achieved as well as initiation, cessation and elevation controls. A new variant of the initiation/cessation stimuli is also presented. Additionally, we report that operational neural stimulators and an entire working microcontroller were successfully implanted into Japanese rhinoceros beetles at the pupal stage; these beetles subsequently emerged into adults.