#TECH: Cockroach-shaped robots that monitor our environment

IN Japan, researchers have unveiled a strange electronic insect, capable of moving around in any natural environment, with the help of an integrated remote control module and solar battery. The idea is to entrust these tiny robots with environmental monitoring missions in places that are difficult to access.

An international team led by researchers from Japan's Riken research institute has developed an electronic cockroach, equipped with a tiny wireless control module, and powered by a battery that can be recharged using solar energy alone. The thin, light and flexible materials used to make it allows this strange "insect" to move easily for practical uses.

The idea here is to be able to remotely control these micro-robots. The challenge was obviously to miniaturise to the extreme all components necessary for its proper functioning. The device is just over 6cm long and looks like a real cockroach, with relatively natural movements.

Some parts have been 3D-printed to create a slightly curved surface. Meanwhile, the module containing the solar cells is only 0.004 mm thick!

Had it been thicker, it would have considerably slowed down the robot's movement, and would even prevent it from turning itself back up after a fall.