Must Read: Mint 15: Today's best Linux desktop (Review)

Topic: Government US

DARPA plans to turn moths into cyberspies

Summary: In a project that seems like it was hatched from the brain of a science fiction writer, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is growing computer chips around insects for use in surveillance, reports The Times.DARPA is implanting computer chips in moths while still in the pupa stage.

Richard Koman

By Richard Koman for ZDNet Government |

In a project that seems like it was hatched from the brain of a science fiction writer, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is growing computer chips around insects for use in surveillance, reports The Times.

DARPA is implanting computer chips in moths while still in the pupa stage. The moth grows around the the chip and its nervous system can be controlled by a remote control.

The project is called the Hybrid Insect Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (HI-MEMS) and it also includes outfitting other insects with miniscule sensors and a wireless transmitter which could send data from places inaccesible to humans.

It is hoped that one day, a sensor-enabled insect with a 100-yard range could be placed within five meters of a target using electronic remote control and, potentially, Global Positioning System technologies.

Ultimately, the moth will be able to land in enemy camps in remote location unobserved, beaming video and other information back via what its developers refer to as a "reliable tissue-machine interface."

This latest development will allow the moth cyborgs to spy on enemy insurgents, and is the most advanced robotic technology ever conceived by DARPA.

Topics: Government US, Hardware

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

Talkback

4 comments
Log in or register to join the discussion

  • Really Scarey

    This is a good thing if used only for good purposes but what scares me is the potential for misuse. I understand that it could be used in a positive manner but human nature always finds someone abusing and misusing abilities. In my opinion this is not a good thing. I don't want to spend my life with a can of bug spray in one hand and a fly swatter in the other. Also how much does each trip to the bug zapper cost me in taxes?
    Unreal.
    rookiekardz@...
    Reply Vote

  • we are the Borg ...

    ... you will be assimilated, resistance is futile

    Its a long way from insects to humans, but you have to start somewhere. We're at the beginning stages of electro-neural interfaces. What's learned in this project will likely be used in other areas, e.g., direct control of prosthetics, artificial senses, etc.
    J. D. S.
    Reply Vote

  • Candles?

    But can the moths get past candles?
    epcraig
    Reply Vote

  • RE: DARPA plans to turn moths into cyberspies

    yeah it is scary because if they can do that on so called "insergents".Then whats to stop them from telling these insects to spy on the American population,or a quote en quote mover of sedition.Remember Jesus was called a terrorist first by the Sanheadrin then by the Roman government.So another name for terrorist is a mover of sedition.So, you bet its scary,when the government tracks youre internet and cell/home phone conversations by one super computer system called total information awareness.So now they can spy on you while you are doing whatever you do when you think no one is watching.And who's the say they meaning Big Brother already have moths spying on people now.Technology is always way ahead of what the public uses.
    mastercheif17719
    Reply Vote
CNET Join | Log In | Privacy | Cookies Close