Scientists in Singapore have developed an innovative diving suit that enables the Madagascar cockroach to remain active underwater for up to three hours.
The work was carried out by researchers at the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, under the leadership of Professor Hirotaka Sato.
The research builds on earlier studies involving cyborg cockroaches fitted with electrodes on their sensory organs, designed for remote control in search-and-rescue operations beneath rubble following disasters.
Researchers stated that a major difficulty was the insect’s limited ability to adapt to aquatic conditions, as it cannot survive for long periods underwater.
To address this, the team designed a special suit using 3D printing techniques and resin-based materials.
The suit generates oxygen through a chemical reaction between hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide, replacing conventional oxygen cylinders, and delivers oxygen directly to the cockroach’s breathing openings.
In trials, the suit kept the cockroach active underwater for three hours and recorded a movement speed of 78.4 millimetres per second, around 10 millimetres per second slower than its movement on land.
Researchers said the development of the system may support future use of bio-hybrid robotic systems in flood response, underwater tasks and emergency operations.
