DIY cyborg kit “The RoboRoach Backpack” for neuroscience and electronics

DIY robot kit for neuroscience and electronics on Unipos website The RoboRoach Backpack Page has been added.

This is a DIY cyborg kit using a cockroach that can be easily operated wirelessly and is a fun way to learn about neuroscience and electronics.

Based on Experiment: Wirelessly Control a Cyborg Cockroach
https://backyardbrains.com/experiments/roboRoachSurgery

About RoboRoach

Robo RoachYou can learn about insect anatomy, neurotechnology, electronics, electrophysiology, and more. A neural interface is created by embedding the tip of a small electrode into the cockroach's antennae, and by applying microstimulation using the RoboRoach circuit, the cockroach can be moved from side to side. Stimulus presentation can be controlled remotely from iOS and Android devices.

Why cockroaches?

At BACKYARD BRAINS, we are conducting experiments on a large invertebrate (animal that does not have a backbone or vertebrae) called the discoid cockroach.

This is because in the United States, they are bred as food for reptiles and amphibians, so they are easy to obtain, they are relatively slow and easy to care for, and most importantly, they are large enough to mount the RoboRoach board (3 to 4 cm). That's why.

Also, although there are few cockroaches, they are similar to us.Nerve cellI have. Although it is very different from the human nervous system, the structure and function of nerve cells are very similar, making it ideal for designing and learning neural stimulation circuits.

The two antennae at its front end are directly connected to neurons that transmit messages to the cockroach's brain, which it uses to learn.

What is a cyborg? (*Reference)

cyborg(cyborg)The term is an abbreviation for Cybernetic Organism, which is defined as a living organic organism with non-living artificial parts. Also, in dictionaries, it is described as a fictional entity whose physical abilities are expanded beyond the limits of a normal human being due to mechanical elements built into the body.(Cambridge Dictionary).

Examples of products handled

The RoboRoach Backpack

Major features

• Weighs only 4.4g (including battery)
• Battery life is about 1 month or more
• Learning about cranial nerves is possible by implanting electrodes.
• Supports iOS and Android devices

Course contents

• 1x Free iOS or Android 4.3+ application for remote control
• 1x Bluetooth Roboroach backpack control unit
• 1x 1632 RoboRoach Battery
• 3x Electrode Sets (to implant 3 Roaches) *Cockroaches not included

*For detailed explanation, please refer to the video (RoboRoach Surgery Instruction).

For inquiries regarding other BACKYARD BRAINS products, please let us know the desired product name, model number, URL, etc.