Sexy-smelling deceptive robot cockroaches!

November 17, 2007 2:00 PM

Remember that X-files episode? The one with the robot cockroaches from outer space? Well, scientists in Belgium have created robots that act like cockroaches, and are accepted by the real cockroaches because they smell sexy to them. Better yet, the scientists were able to use the robots to change how the cockroaches behaved.

The researchers see this as the first step towards other animals:
"In a review of biologically inspired devices, Rolf Pfeifer of the University of Zurich describes robot insects, spiders, snakes, lobsters, dogs, monkeys and humans.

Such robots, Pfeifer suggests, offer the opportunity to study different patterns of movement, locomotion, navigation, orientation, manipulation, imitation and cooperation.

Ultimately, he wrote, these might result in machines that are 'adaptable, robust, versatile and agile.'

'Exciting times are ahead of us,' he wrote."

Of course some people are already raising ethical questions, and wondering how robots will change human behavior.

Previously. And more previously.

posted by gingerbeer (16 comments total)

...are accepted by the real cockroaches because they smell sexy to them.

"wow check out the spiracles on that one. Hey sweetheart I know a motel not to far from here..."
posted by MiltonRandKalman at 2:19 PM on November 17, 2007

video, please, thx.
posted by empath at 2:38 PM on November 17, 2007

There was also an episode of X-Files with sexy-smelling murdering aliens.
posted by mek at 2:42 PM on November 17, 2007

I, for one would like it very much if they'd program the robots to lead the roaches out of apartments. The place I'm in now is beautifully roach-free, but I lived in a place a few years ago that just...well, crawled with roaches. And thanks to the habits of my upstairs neighbors, there was only so much control I had over the situation. I would've given a lot to have some robot roaches come over and lead the real roaches out and over a cliff or something...
posted by rtha at 3:12 PM on November 17, 2007

That episode was awesome.
posted by Lafe at 3:13 PM on November 17, 2007

I wonder what would have happened if they'd just sprayed the 'brighter shelter' with roach smell. Were the robots actually necessary for this experiment?
posted by delmoi at 3:20 PM on November 17, 2007

Do the Cylon cockroaches reincarnate when you step on them?
posted by Skygazer at 4:08 PM on November 17, 2007

I, for one would like it very much if they'd program the robots to lead the roaches out of apartments.

[begins writing patent]
posted by humannaire at 4:23 PM on November 17, 2007

video, please, thx.

Here you go.
posted by humannaire at 4:28 PM on November 17, 2007

Because of this post, I am going to have to say "you smell sexy to me" to some woman. Preferably in a Russian accent.
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 4:35 PM on November 17, 2007

humannaire, you're a genius for finding that. I looked, but my youtube-fu must need a check-up.

Two things I learned from that video:

1) The robots seemed to like to hang out with each other.

2) The roaches seem to be developing drag-racing skills. I could almost hear little tiny roach voices going "wheeeeeeee!"
posted by rtha at 5:15 PM on November 17, 2007

I suspect the brain makes its decisions in much the same way. brain cells:decision::cockroaches:shelter.
posted by five fresh fish at 5:40 PM on November 17, 2007

Thanks, humannaire! I looked for a video, but couldn't find anything.
posted by gingerbeer at 6:15 PM on November 17, 2007

I love primary season.
posted by Clave at 10:10 PM on November 17, 2007

Will the cylon roaces be very hot??
posted by Skygazer at 2:11 AM on November 18, 2007

For people whose main interest in cockroaches is trying to kill them, Halloy cautioned that he can't foresee a day when robot roaches lure your kitchen pests into a trap.

Damn!
posted by bassjump at 1:41 PM on November 18, 2007