The RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR) researchers have equipped the robotic insects with a tiny wireless control module that is powered by a rechargeable battery attached to a solar cell, allowing the cockroaches to roam freely for long periods of time.
Wireless control of the leg segments has been one of the key challenges scientists have faced when developing cyborg insects. Moreover, in order for the devices to be used for monitoring purposes, it was fundamental that their batteries were long-lasting, to ensure that the cockroaches would be under control at all times.
The scientists at RIKEN overcame this challenge by fitting their cyborg insect with an ultrathin 0.004mm-thick organic solar cell module, which was mounted on the dorsal side of the insect's abdomen.
“The body-mounted ultrathin organic solar cell module achieves a power output of 17.2mW, which is more than 50 times larger than the power output of current state-of-the-art...