The official name of the project is the “Hybrid Insect Micro Electromechanical Systems”, or HI-MEMS, and its purpose is to locate dangerous obstacles, such as mines, or locate hidden nuclear weapon caches. Basically a recon bug.
The project is currently still at an experimental phase, but the plan is to harness all the senses the insect has at its disposal — so instead of attaching tiny cameras to its back, its sensory organs and optics will be used. The interface will allow the insect’s movement to be controlled remotely, allowing the controller to direct the bug wherever to do whatever they want.
In terms of power, the system is powered by fat, instead of chemical batteries, and, failing that, thermo-electric converters, piezoelectric generators and even “broadband energy scavengers” could be used. The technology itself is “tightly coupled” to the insect as it grows, with the idea being that as the little guy develops, it will create, and strengthen, the bonds between the electronics and organic tissue.
If this works, it will be a pretty incredible leap forward in terms of technology. Harnessing a living (and growing) creatures sensory inputs and converting it to a form that can be seen on a screen or readout, not to mention being able to control the creatures movements - it's just another step to the possibilities of human augmentation, and the ethical and moral minefield that awaits.
I can't help but wonder at their choice of animal though. Should they be spending so much money on augmenting a creature that can be taken out by a $5 can of bug spray?
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