DARPA scientists want to create an army of cyber-insects that can be remotely controlled to check out explosives and send transmissions. The idea is to insert micro-systems at the pupa stage, when the insects can integrate them into their body, so they can be remotely controlled later.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a method for training wasps to detect chemicals and other susbstances. The technique could be used to detect explosives or toxins in public areas and could be available for commercial use in 5-10 years.
Trained wasps could someday replace dogs for sniffing out drugs, bombs and bodies. Scientists say a species of non-stinging wasps can be trained in only five minutes and are just as sensitive to odors as specially trained dogs.
Engineers have test flown a prototype of the world's first robotic insect. It is hoped that future generations of this curious craft could carry tiny spy cameras into buildings.