Cyborg cockroaches can now tackle underwater disaster zones thanks to a 3D-printed diving suit

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have equipped cyborg cockroaches with tiny 3D-printed diving suits that allow the insects to walk underwater for up to three hours, according to Newscientist. The development builds on earlier work where Madagascar hissing cockroaches were remotely controlled via electrodes implanted in sensory organs.

"walk underwater for up to 3 hours without ill effects"

This breakthrough expands the cyborg insects' range from land to aquatic environments, opening new possibilities for deployment.

The suit includes tubes connected to the cockroach's breathing holes, called spiracles, and an onboard oxygen generator, PopSci reported. This allows the insects to survive submerged where they would otherwise drown.

"search-and-rescue missions in flooded or hard-to-reach environments"

The technology could be deployed in disaster zones that are difficult for humans or larger robots to access, such as collapsed buildings or flooded areas.

Beyond Earth, Newscientist noted that the technology could potentially be used for exploring Mars, where harsh conditions might require small, resilient scouts. The cyborg cockroach approach combines the insect's natural mobility with electronic control, and the new diving suit significantly extends its operational environment, representing a step toward practical search-and-rescue applications, as highlighted by PopSci.