North Carolina State University researchers control cyborg cockroaches with Microsoft KinectMadison Ruppert Our goal is to be able to guide these roaches as efficiently as possible, and our work with Kinect is helping us do that, said Dr. Alper Bozkurt of NCSU in a news release today. I guess the Kinect isnt only good for playing video games after all. The Kinect is also being used by the researchers to collect data and detect how effectively the remotely controlled cockroaches respond to the electrical impulses that are used as the control system. The end goal, according to the researchers, is to use the cockroaches to explore and map disaster sites. The technology that allows the Kinect to scan a room could be leveraged in order to help roaches map the interior of a collapsed building, according to the researchers. Roaches could also be equipped with microphones to detect survivors, or even small speakers to allow two-way communication between remote rescue crews and people who are trapped, LiveScience reports. We want to build on this program, incorporating mapping and radio frequency techniques that will allow us to use a small group of cockroaches to explore and map disaster sites, Bozkurt said. The autopilot program would control the roaches, sending them on the most efficient routes to provide rescuers with a comprehensive view of the situation, he added. Bozkurt and his NCSU team will present their research on July 4 at the annual IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society conference in Osaka, Japan. Surprisingly, the researchers at North Carolina State University arent the only ones looking into creating cockroaches enhanced by technology. Case Western Reserve University researchers demonstrated the ability to implant biofuel cells into insects which convert sugar into electricity, which is then used power sensors on the insect or manipulate the creature remotely. There is even a Kickstarter project called RoboRoach aimed at creating cockroaches which could be remote controlled via smartphone. Id love to hear your opinion, take a look at your story tips and even your original writing if you would like to get it published. I am also available for interviews on radio, television or any other format. Please email me at Admin@EndtheLie.com Please support our work and help us start to pay contributors by doing your shopping through our Amazon link or check out some must-have products at our store. This article first appeared at End the Lie. Madison Ruppert is the Editor and Owner-Operator of the alternative news and analysis databaseEnd The Lie and has no affiliation with any NGO, political party, economic school, or other organization/cause. He is available for podcast and radio interviews. Madison also now has his own radio show on UCYTV Monday nights 7 PM 9 PM PT/10 PM 12 AM ET. Show page link here: http://UCY.TV/EndtheLie. If you have questions, comments, or corrections feel free to contact him at admin@EndtheLie.com linkwithin_text=Related Articles: 