A team of scientists at Tokyo University researching bio-robot applications was recently awarded a $5 million USD grant to develop an experimental breed of cockroach-robot hybrids. Upon removing antennae and wings, pulse-emitting electrodes are transfixed to the insects' frame, which make them move in any direction via remote control. Though the cockroaches weigh half of the .1 ounce backpacks that are attached to them, they are capable of comfortably lifting up to twenty times their body weight.

According to the research team, refining the control technique procedure will hopefully yield camera or sensor-fitted specimens capable of moving throughout precarious locations, like disaster areas and enemy holdouts in military or police conflicts.

Via LotusImages