In the laboratories of Beijing Institute of Technologybees are no longer just pollinating insects. A microchip just 74 milligramsimplanted in their brain, is able to control its flight through electrical impulses. With a precision that reaches the 90%insects can be driven to the right, left, right or back, obeying the commands sent by a infrared remote control. Thus were born the API Cyborga technology halfway between biology and robotics.
According to the team led by Professor Zhao Jieliangthese remote controlled bees may find employment in military missionsoperations of Rescue in dangerous environments or actions of urban survey. Compared to mechanical drones, modified insects offer evident advantages: natural mimicry, energy autonomy and infiltration capacity in restricted environments. It is no coincidence that the interest in robotic insects sink the roots in the Cold Warwhen the CIA experienced dragonflies. Today, with Cyborg bees, that vision approaches a more advanced and concrete form.
The dark side of technology
However, behind efficiency and miniaturization there is a danger: the possibility of creating invisible surveillance tools. These biological devices could be used for spy citizensgather sensitive data or act in opaque operations without leaving a trace.
The question, but deeply politics and ethics. The potential civil and military applications open an urgent debate on control, on individual freedom and on the improper use of living beings.
Between bioethics and bee survival
Then there is a theme that cannot be ignored: the animal welfare. The bee I am already under threat due to environmental degradation, the use of pesticides and climate change. Transform them into Technological gears raise deep questions about our relationship with the natural world.
If we consider an insect only according to its operational potential, how much value we recognize to his life? And above all: we can really afford to losing sight of the urgency to protect biodiversityin the name of innovation?
Although technology is still in the experimental phase and present functional limits – like the partial response of the legs and the possibility of Interference in the signals – The direction undertaken is clear. Before these Cyborg API become operational, it is necessary to reflect on the border between progress and abuse. Why if the bee becomes drone, what remains of its role in the natural world? And what does he say about us, the choice to turn off his instinct to make room for our commands?
