Collaborative turning and jumping control of a cyborg locust via sensory stimulation

In this study, we describe the first-ever demonstration of the turning and jumping control of locusts based on electrical stimulation, which can realize a cyborg jumper. In terms of perception, walking distance, speed, payload, maneuverability, and adaptability to complex environments, cyborgs can reveal unmatchable advantages to insect-scale artificial robots. Herein, live locusts (Locusta migratoria) were selected as the study platform. Antennae and cercus stimulations using electrical pulses were applied to elicit the insect to turn and jump. We examined both the turning angle and the angular velocity by tuning the stimulus amplitude or frequency. It is found the turning rate induced by antenna stimulation can be graded. Besides, the stimulation of the cercus at the distal abdomen triggered the jump reliably. Moreover, the directional jumping control of the locust was achieved by the collaboration of turning and jumping control. Such results provide the potential to establish a more precise and more efficient model to develop a direction-controllable cyborg jumper.