Camera carrying insects set to aid search and rescue teams
Posted on 27. Dec, 2011 by asarafraz
Source:
telegraph.co.uk
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Researchers have already developed a device able to generate power from the wing motion of a Green June beetle Photo: ALAMY
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Flying insects could soon be used in search and rescue missions to help locate survivors of earthquakes and other disasters, according to scientists.
Minute cameras and microphones mounted on the backs of beetles will help emergency services find victims trapped or buried underneath rubble.
Researchers aim to power a tiny “backpack” of sensors by “scavenging” energy from the insect’s own wing movements to help create a lasting power source.
The bugs can then be released into collapsed buildings or other areas seen as too dangerous for human rescue teams.
Professor Khalil Najafi, who is developing the new technology, said the insect’s own kinetic energy would act as a battery for a variety of communication equipment.
He said: “Through energy scavenging, we could potentially power cameras, microphones and other sensors and communication equipment that an insect could carry aboard a tiny backpack.
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