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Allows a microcomputer (e.g. basic stamp) to autonomously control a cockroach's direction of movement. You could also make a remote control system. The basic stamp sends TTL signals to a uLN2803 chip which amplifies the current enough to contract a nitinol (shape memory alloy) strand. The contracting nitinol strand flips open one of two flaps which hang on either side of the cockroach's antennae. This creates an illusion for the cockroach of
--"hallway",
--"wall left, open right", and
--"wall right, open left"
which in turn controls the cockroaches movement (it's not going to move left if it feels a 'wall' on the left.
I recently realized that probably a better way of controlling the cockroaches movements is by just putting one LED on each side of its head, since they run away from light. Just turn both on to make it go forward, and one on to make it turn left or right. LEDs would require a lot less power and mechanical complexity. I'm going to try it out.
Cockroach backpack paradigm being tested, cockroach responded as desired to the backpack commands
Cockroach backpack being tested, nitinol constriction moves antenna flap.
--"hallway",
--"wall left, open right", and
--"wall right, open left"
which in turn controls the cockroaches movement (it's not going to move left if it feels a 'wall' on the left.
I recently realized that probably a better way of controlling the cockroaches movements is by just putting one LED on each side of its head, since they run away from light. Just turn both on to make it go forward, and one on to make it turn left or right. LEDs would require a lot less power and mechanical complexity. I'm going to try it out.
Cockroach backpack paradigm being tested, cockroach responded as desired to the backpack commands
Cockroach backpack being tested, nitinol constriction moves antenna flap.
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Signing UpStep 1Making the Backpack
When I put together the backpack, it was my first electronic project ever, so it ended up being excessively heavy. I used a camera flash battery to supply the pulse of current needed to contract the nitinol, but you would want to use a capacitor and a smaller battery to reduce weight. I used periplaneta americana which is strong and moves a lot. I also tried giant madagascar hissing cockroaches but they just sleep all the time and are very slow. You should buy these from animal supply places, otherwise you'll have to wait a long time for the roaches in your kitchen to get big enough (about 1.5 inches).
I used really crappy materials that I had on hand to make the backpack, it could be built a lot better with different materials. Apparently nitinol can be soldered, which I didn't know at the time, so I crimped the nitinol at its ends (pretty friggen annoying).
If you reduce the weight enough you could make it remote controlled (instead of controlled by preprogrammed commands from the basic stamp). See the remote control diagram. You could also add sensors and make the basic stamp use the sensors to control the roach.
I used really crappy materials that I had on hand to make the backpack, it could be built a lot better with different materials. Apparently nitinol can be soldered, which I didn't know at the time, so I crimped the nitinol at its ends (pretty friggen annoying).
If you reduce the weight enough you could make it remote controlled (instead of controlled by preprogrammed commands from the basic stamp). See the remote control diagram. You could also add sensors and make the basic stamp use the sensors to control the roach.
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http://cockroachcontrolcontrol.com/
I fancy these projects. Most of todays best inventions were product of crazy ideas like this one!
I acknowlege that this isn't how a cockroach might normally spend its day but it is by no means cruel. The author has taken the time to prevent damage to the cockroach that might prevent it from surviving if freed. He also provides an easy means of taking the backpack off without causing harm. As for the CO2 used to "anesthetize" the cockroach, this does no harm. In fact, most roaches can live for close to an hour without any air at all.
As for the actual device that is being used. It is no more "controlling" the cockroach then the lines on the highway control you when you drive. They guide you and this works to guide the roach by using it's natural navigation mechanism in non-invasive/reversible way. The roach maintains any free will it might have had and it doesn't have to follow the path set for it. It follows it because that is what it is programmed to find comfortable.
It is important to ensure everyone and everything is treated kindly and fairly but knee jerk reactions have no value and have held back progress for centuries. People died terrible deaths because people didn't see value in experimentation. Sure, this and other experiments have no immediate applications but think of what could be done if it is perfected. Educate yourself on things you don't understand before expressing an opinion and accept your opinion is likely flawed if you don't. Today, with the internet, there is no excuse for being ignorant of facts and just because you disagree with fact doesn't make it less of a fact. Prove it wrong if you are so sure it is.
I thank you for allowing my rant and I am done now.
(o; cool project.. even if it creeps me out a little