Cyborg Cockroaches from Singapore Help Find Myanmar Earthquake Victims
A total of 10 cyborgs (cybernetic cockroach) Singapore from Singapore was deployed to Myanmar to support search and rescue operations for victims after earthquake measuring M7.7 that rocked the country 28 March 2025. The tragedy has taken more than 3,000 people.
The robotic cockroach began to be used in field operations on March 30, cooperate with Lionheart Operations Team from Singapore Civil Defense Forces (SCDF). This is The first time a cyborg cockroach was used in direct humanitarian missions, marking the milestone of the history of the use of biotechnology in disaster management.
🔬 the technology behind the cyborg cockroaches
This cyborg cockroach was developed through a collaboration between:
Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX)
Nanyang University of Technology (NTU)
Klass Engineering and Solutions
This animal uses the original cockroach species Madagascar, which has a length of approx. 6 cm and known for his hissing voice. Cockroaches have been equipped with:
Thermal camera
various advanced sensors
Electrode control to direct motion
AI data processing To detect signs of life
wireless data transmission to the on-site technician
Cyborg cockroaches can infiltrate a narrow gap between the ruins, making it an ideal tool to find trapped victims.
🚁 From Singapore to Myanmar
The HTX team consisting of Two engineers, with two engineers from Klass Engineering, rushed to Myanmar one day after SCDF send 80 personnel and 4 sniffer dogs on March 29.
HTX engineer, Ong Ka Hing, tells the long journey to the disaster site:
“We flew three hours to Yangon, then continued the road trip for more than seven hours. Many roads were damaged. We saw people who lost their homes, slept in open spaces, and lacked food and clean water.”
🧪 Real terrain test: success and challenge
The use of cockroaches began on March 31, expanded until April 3, especially in Naypyitaw, the capital of Myanmar.
One of their initial tasks was to comb the ruins former hospital two football stadiums. In that place, cyborg cockroaches are used to Conduct further inspections for 45 minutes, after the SCDF tracking dog combed the area.
Engineer Yep, wee Adding the emotional side of this operation:
“A resident came to me, begging us to find his family trapped in the hospital. The request was very touching.”
⚠️ Evacuation and field conditions
On March 30, the SCDF team succeeded Evacuate a man from the ruins of a three-story building after the search process for 8 hours. However, the officers faced various tough obstacles:
extreme temperatures up to 38°C
Threat of rain and mud
Electricity and Water Disturbance
Interference connections for video calls with media, including The Straits Times
🍽️ Cockroaches eat carrots, the team stays on standby
Even in a harsh environment, Cyborg cockroaches are still functioning optimally With simple consumption: Carrots and water.
Yep expressing his commitment:
“I feel responsible for helping this project to continue to develop. Hopefully this technology can save more lives.”
Ong added that this experience opened his eyes to the real challenge:
“Different from the trial in the laboratory. In the field, everything is dynamic and full of surprises. But from here we learn and continue to perfect our technology.”
Conclusion
The use of cyborg cockroaches by the Singapore team in the Myanmar tragedy is clear evidence that technology and humanity can go hand in hand. In the future, bio-robotic devices like this have the potential to be a mainstay in Rescue Mission in Disaster Zone all over the world.
