Singapore uses 10 camera-equipped cockroaches to support search and rescue operations after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar.

Singapore's Straits Times reported on April 5 that a team of 10 robot cockroaches was sent to Myanmar on March 30 to participate in the post-earthquake search and rescue operation called "Lion Heart" by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

This is the first time an insect hybrid robot has been deployed in the field as well as in humanitarian relief operations in the world. This robot cockroach model was developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University and Klass Engineering & Solutions.

They were created by attaching infrared cameras and sensors to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, one of the world's largest cockroach species, measuring 5-7.5cm in length when fully grown. However, they are still very small compared to humans, so they can replace humans by crawling into small crevices under rubble.

These are live cockroaches attached to electrodes, allowing humans to stimulate and control their movements remotely. Information collected through cameras and sensors is processed by machine learning algorithms, helping to identify signs of life. This data will then be transmitted wirelessly to the operations team so they can deploy appropriate resources.

The robot cockroach prototype was introduced at technology fairs in Singapore in April 2024 and is expected to be deployed from around 2026, but has been deployed early in the field in Myanmar to support rescue efforts.

It was first used here on March 31 and again twice in the capital Naypyidaw on April 2, but no survivors were found. However, the robotic cockroach squad has assisted Singaporean forces in the search in the worst-hit areas.

Yap Kian Wee and Ong Ka Hing, two engineers who operate the robotic cockroach squad, said the cockroaches are still healthy and are being fed water and carrots.

"The mission here makes us want to continue to improve the technology so we can find survivors faster," Yap said.

Ong Ka Hing expressed optimism about the potential of the technology despite some challenges during its deployment in Myanmar.

"The Singapore test was very different from the real, volatile situation here. We encountered some technical issues and things did not go smoothly. However, these will be valuable lessons for us to improve in future deployments," Ong stressed.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck on March 28 with its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, has killed 3,354 people, injured 4,850, and left 220 missing as of April 5. The incident caused many buildings to collapse or severely damage, leaving thousands homeless.