---
title: "DARPA made a device that turns insects into remote-controlled cyborgs"
description: "DARPA created a device that hijacks an insect's brain and body turning it into a miniature drone-- and you can do it yourself at home!"
date: "2021-04-14"
modified: "2021-04-14"
authors:
  - name: "Orvelin Valle"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/orvelinvalle/"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/darpa-remote-control-insects/"
categories:
  - "Aircraft"
  - "Tactical"
---

# DARPA made a device that turns insects into remote-controlled cyborgs

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17214379/origin.png>)

DARPA created a device that hijacks an insect's brain and body turning it into a miniature drone.

---

Through a DARPA-funded program, scientists at the University of California invented a tiny rig that connects to an insect's brain and flight muscles. Once implanted, the device takes over the insect's body, turning it into a remote control cyborg capable of receiving flight commands wirelessly from a nearby laptop.

Engineers at [CRASAR](<https://crasar.org/>) developed small robots to aid in search-and-rescue missions and disaster relief, but nothing they've made has come close to the size and capabilities of an insect. Rather than creating such a robot, the University of California scientists decided to take a shortcut. "Insects are just amazing fliers compared to anything we can build at that scale," said lead engineer Michel Maharbiz in and interview with [WIRED](<https://www.wired.com/2015/03/watch-flying-remote-controlled-cyborg-bug/>).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icQv33kWKm8

This is not the first time scientists used technology to control insects, according WIRED:

Researches have created remote-controlled crawling insects before, forcing a bug's legs to move by electrically stimulating its muscles. It's simple enough that you can even buy [your own kit](<https://backyardbrains.com/experiments/roboRoachSurgery>) to commandeer a cockroach at home. But flying bugs are harder to hijack.

This video shows the University of California scientists controlling a beetle cyborg:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFguLwUT5lg

### Read more: DARPA invented a robot that can learn from watching YouTube videos

## Author
OV is a Navy veteran and an expert in social media and entertainment marketing. Previously, with music electronics company Roland, he created social media outreach and growth strategies that became Roland's worldwide corporate standard. OV also managed social media and promotions for Madison Square Garden and Clear Channel Radio.