Germany is leading an innovative approach in surveillance technology with the development of AI-powered “backpacks” for live cockroaches by startup SWARM Biotactics. These backpacks enable Madagascar hissing cockroaches to serve as biologically integrated spy agents, equipped with sensors, cameras, and neural stimulators for remote control. With over €13 million in funding, this technology is ideal for urban combat zones, hostage rescues, and disaster response, allowing cockroaches to navigate spaces where drones cannot. Their resilience and small size make them perfect for micro-surveillance, while low-voltage impulses guide their movements. This initiative aligns with Germany’s strategy to integrate startup innovations into its defense sector, similar to the U.S. DARPA model. The applications extend beyond military use, including disaster relief and search-and-rescue operations. As this technology advances, it signals a new era in espionage and robotics, fundamentally changing crisis management and warfare.
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