Autonomous Navigation of Bio-Intelligent Cyborg Insect Based on Insect Visual Perception

Abstract

This study presents the development of bio-intelligent cyborg insects (BCI) by utilizing the insect's natural sensory responses and behaviors through a noninvasive feedback control method. While electrical stimulation has been widely used for cyborg insect control, challenges such as habituation and integration with the insects’ natural behaviors remain areas of ongoing research. To address these limitations, this study introduces a control method based on insect visual perception, specifically using their natural aversion to ultraviolet (UV) light. A wearable UV helmet is designed with two UV light-emitting diodes near the insect's left and right compound eyes. Targeted stimulation of the compound eyes results in directional turning behaviors such as left eye stimulation-induced right-turning and right eye stimulation-induced left-turning. This study's experiments show that increased UV intensity correspond to larger turning angles, with no evidence of habituation even after repeated trials. Additionally, this method minimizes stimulation by relying on the insect's natural movement patterns, activating the UV stimulus only when the insect is inactive. Compared to electrical stimulation-based systems, the UV-based approach significantly reduces the frequency of stimulations while maintaining consistent and reliable control. This finding suggests that noninvasive feedback methods are viable alternatives for guiding cyborg insects in unknown environments.