MEMS based bioelectronic neuromuscular interfaces for insect cyborg flight control

Abstract

This paper reports the first direct control of insect flight by manipulating the wing motion via microprobes and electronics introduced through the Early Metamorphosis Insertion Technology (EMIT). EMIT is a novel hybrid biology pathway for autonomous centimeter-scale robots that forms intimate electronic-tissue interfaces by placing electronics in the pupal stage of insect metamorphosis. Our new technology may enable insect cyborgs by realizing a reliable control interface between inserted microsystems and insect physiology. The design rules on the flexibility of the inserted microsystem and the investigation towards tissue- microprobe biological and electrical compatibility are also presented.