Caterpillars control robots

Japanese scientists have just created robots controlled by caterpillars.

The University of Tokyo researchers built a two-wheeled robot and arranged for a caterpillar, here is the male silkworm (Bombyx mori), controlled by swinging a leg on a rotating plastic ball, like like a marble inside a computer mouse.

A caterpillar is controlling the robot - (Photo: Tokyo University)

These silkworm butterflies are tasked with stepping the ball through a 1,800mm long wind tunnel to the point that emits the sexual attractiveness of the silkworm butterfly.

Two 40mm-diameter ventilators are attached to the tunnel to transfer the irritating odor to the silkworm moth being placed on the robot, according to a report on Bioinspiration and Biomimicry.

All 14 male silk butterflies successfully controlled the robot to the place where it emitted the smell of females, according to NBC News.

Researchers hope that their new discovery could lead to the introduction of self-propelled robots that can locate chemical leaks and spills.