Remote control of a cyborg moth using carbon nanotube-enhanced flexible neuroprosthetic probe

Abstract

We report the first remote flight control of an insect using microfabricated flexible neuroprosthetic probes (FNPs) that directly interface with the animal's central nervous system. The FNPs have a novel split-ring design that incorporates the anatomical bi-cylinder structure of the nerve cord and allows for an efficient surgical process for implantation (Figure 1a). Additionally, we have integrated carbon nanotube (CNT)-Au nanocomposites into the FNPs to enhance the charge injection capability of the probe. The FNPs integrated with a wireless system are able to evoke multi-directional, graded abdominal motions in the moths thus altering their flight path.