Scientists from Nanyang University in Singapore and Waseda University have developed a specialized diving suit for cockroach cyborgs. This development allows the insects to survive underwater for up to three hours, opening new possibilities for conducting search and rescue operations after natural disasters.
The insect cyborgs, equipped with electronic controllers for remote movement control, were first used in real rescue missions during an earthquake in Myanmar in March 2025. They successfully navigated debris inaccessible to humans and traditional miniature robots. Now, scientists have expanded their scope of activity to include underwater and hypoxic conditions typical of floods.
The diving suit consists of a flexible waterproof outer casing, four silicone oxygen tubes, and a 3D-printed oxygen tank. This tank contains a highly absorbent sponge coated with manganese dioxide catalyst. When diluted hydrogen peroxide is introduced, it slowly releases oxygen, which enters through the silicone tubes directly into the cockroach's tracheal spiracles. The entire apparatus measures about 10 by 10 millimeters, light enough for the insect to carry while maintaining mobility, and can be put on and removed without causing harm.
A study published in Nature Communications on June 29 showed that cockroaches in the suits are capable of moving through simulated underwater tunnels and carbon dioxide-saturated environments for three hours. This significantly exceeds the time they can survive without the suit. Furthermore, the speed of movement decreased only slightly. The cockroaches use their own muscular strength for movement, which provides them with much greater endurance compared to battery-powered miniature robots that risk sudden power loss during critical tasks.
Lead researcher Shinji Umezu, a professor at the School of Creative Sciences and Engineering at Waseda University, noted that the main goal was to create a device small and flexible enough for the insect to wear, while still providing sufficient oxygen supply for long dives. The team plans to integrate sensors and navigation systems into the diving suit for testing in realistic simulated disaster conditions. Ultimately, this technology may be applied to other insects, such as weevils and beetles, allowing inspection of flooded pipes, drainage systems, and tunnels after disasters where water, debris, and narrow passages make robot access difficult or impossible.
