2016/03/30 by Feng Cao, Chao Zhang, Hao Yu Choo +1 · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · Engineering · #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research #Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
paper · pdf · doi:10.1098/rsif.2016.0060
openalex publication_date 2016/03/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
We have constructed an insect-computer hybrid legged robot using a living beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata; Coleoptera). The protraction/retraction and levation/depression motions in both forelegs of the beetle were elicited by electrically stimulating eight corresponding leg muscles via eight pairs of implanted electrodes. To perform a defined walking gait (e.g., gallop), different muscles were individually stimulated in a predefined sequence using a microcontroller. Different walking gaits were performed by reordering the applied stimulation signals (i.e., applying different sequences). By varying the duration of the stimulation sequences, we successfully controlled the step frequency and hence the beetle's walking speed. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first demonstration of living insect locomotion control with a user-adjustable walking gait, step length and walking speed.