2026-06-29 早稲田大学
クレジット：シンガポール南洋理工大学（NTU Singapore）および早稲田大学。 図は Nature Communications に掲載された研究資料に基づき作成。
＜関連情報＞
水中スーツを着用したサイボーグ昆虫、数時間潜水および陸上・水中移動が可能 Underwater Suit-Wearing Cyborg Insect Capable of Hours-Long Diving and Terra-Aqua Travel
Zifu FAN,Kazuki KAI,Kewei SONG,Duc Long LE,Thu Ha TRAN,Mingyu HAO,Wei Yang WAN,Shinjiro UMEZU & Hirotaka SATO
Nature Communications Published:29 June 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-74235-1
Abstract
The fundamental operational range of cyborg insects, which are hybrid robots that combine a living insect with an electronic controller, is inherently restricted to the host’s natural environment. To extend their operational range, we developed a wearable diving suit for terrestrial insects. The suit integrates a miniaturised oxygen generation module with a flexible waterproof shell, enabling continuous oxygen supply and isolation from surrounding water. By fitting a cockroach, which is a terrestrial species, into this diving suit, we allowed it to survive and operate in oxygen-deprived environments such as underwater, transforming it into an amphibious cyborg robot capable of operation across land and water. The suit sustained respiration and locomotion for up to 3 h underwater, establishing amphibious cyborg insects that combine biological adaptability with engineered protection for prolonged exploration in extreme, confined environments.
