Insects routinely outperform any man-made flying vehicle in terms of flight time, maneuverability, payload capacity and fuel efficiency. We are collaborating with Dr. Michel Maharbiz (Univ. Michigan) and other engineering scientists to attempt to create cyborg insects that carry a wireless transmitter and a range of sensors during flight.

In this research, we are rearing beetle species at various oxygen levels to attempt to produce beetles with greater-than-normal size and payload capacity. We are also testing the effect of the different oxygen atmospheres on flight performance, tracheal dimensions, and the oxygen-sensitivity of flight. These studies have been partially supported by a grant from the Office of Naval Research and DARPA.