Australian researchers are testing giant burrowing cockroaches equipped with cameras and tiny medical injectors as possible first responders in earthquakes and other disasters. The cyborg insects could enter unstable, narrow spaces that rescuers cannot safely reach, locate trapped people and deliver emergency assistance under human control.

The University of Queensland and UNSW team fitted the cockroaches with lightweight electronics and remotely activated injection systems. In trials, close-range injections succeeded 95% of the time, while the full navigation-and-injection task succeeded in 72% of trials; researchers hope specialised insect teams could be deployed within five to 10 years.