TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore dispatched 10 cyborg cockroaches to Myanmar to aid search and rescue operations following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28th. The disaster claimed more than 3,000 lives.
The hybrid insects were flown to Myanmar and joined the Civil Defence Force Singapore (SCDF) Lionheart Operation contingent on March 30th. This marks the first time in the world that cyborg cockroaches have been used in humanitarian operations, and it also signifies the debut of using insect-hybrid robots in the field.
The cyborg cockroaches were developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Klass Engineering and Solutions. The HTX team, consisting of two engineers, as two engineers from Klass Engineering, joined the Myanmar mission a day after the SCDF sent 80 personnel and four search dogs to Myanmar on March 29th.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches have infrared cameras and sensors that are about 6 cm long. Their small size allows them to navigate narrow gaps under rubble and be remotely controlled. Their movements are regulated through electrodes, and the data collected is processed using artificial intelligence algorithms to detect signs of life. This information is then wirelessly transmitted to the engineering team in the field to support decision-making.
Although they have not found any survivors, the cyborg cockroaches have reached several severely affected areas. They were first deployed on March 31st and April 3rd in the capital, Naypyitaw.
HTX engineer Ong Ka Hing stated that their team arrived in Yangon after a three-hour flight, then continued a seven-hour overland journey to join forces with the SCDF. “The roads were cracked and we had to take several detours. We also saw people displaced from their homes, sleeping in the open, with a lack of food and water. It’s been a surreal experience,” Ong said in a video interview on April 4th, cited from The Straits Times.
Their first mission was in an area the size of two football fields where a hospital had collapsed. After the SCDF combed part of the area with search dogs, they requested HTX to conduct further inspections using the cyborg cockroaches for about 45 minutes.
Ong's colleague, Yap Kian Wee, also experienced the grieving atmosphere at the site when a local approached him. “He came to me and said his sibling had been inside the hospital when it collapsed, and said he was hoping we could help find survivors. When I heard this, it was really quite sad,” Yap said.
Yap also witnessed people standing around the collapsed building all day, hoping that their loved ones would be found, whether alive or dead. Yap saw another rescue team evacuating bodies from under the rubble.
On March 30th, the SCDF successfully rescued a man from under a collapsed three-story building after eight hours of searching. However, the rescue team faced formidable challenges, such as temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius, the possibility of rain, as well as disruptions to power and water supplies. A video call with The Straits Times was also briefly interrupted due to a power outage at the site.
Despite facing difficult situations, Ong and Yap stated their commitment to stay with the SCDF team as long as needed. They mentioned that the cockroaches are still in good condition and are surviving on carrots and water. “We have this sense of mission that makes us want to keep improving on this technology so it can find survivors faster,” Yap said.
Ong mentioned that this experience has opened up new insights into field challenges. “Testing in Singapore is very different. It’s a real, dynamic situation here. We encountered some technical issues and it hasn’t been smooth sailing. But these are all very valuable lessons that will help us improve for future deployments," he said.
BMKG: M5.9 Earthquake Rocks Indian Ocean, No Tsunami Potential
5 jam lalu
The BMKG stated that a tectonic earthquake shook the Indian Ocean off the west coast of Simeulue, Aceh, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 02:48:52 AM local time.
Earthquake Magnitude 4.8 Jolts Southern Banten, III-IV Tremor Scale in Surade
1 hari lalu
An earthquake with a strike-slip movement type emerged due to the movement in the Indo-Australian plate.
Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,471
1 hari lalu
The number of casualties from the Myanmar earthquake continues to rise to 3,471, as search and rescue efforts continue.
USAID Team Fired While in Myanmar Earthquake Zone
1 hari lalu
Three USAID workers were fired while in Myanmar while assisting in rescue and recovery efforts from a major earthquake.
Indonesia Provides Rp5.5bn in Health Aid for Myanmar Earthquake Victims
3 hari lalu
The Indonesian government has sent an Emergency Medical Team (EMT) to assist people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.
6.8M Earthquake Hits Papua New Guinea, No Tsunami Expected
3 hari lalu
The BMKG noted that this was a shallow earthquake caused by movements in the Earth's outer layer.
Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Hits Myanmar: 12 Urgent Needs Identified
4 hari lalu
The WHO Southeast Asia has sent nearly 3 tons of health supplies to the main affected areas within 24 hours after the Myanmar earthquake.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry Dispatches 124 Tons of Aid for Myanmar Earthquake Victims
4 hari lalu
Indonesia has sent 124 tons of humanitarian aid worth US$1.2 million for the Myanmar earthquake victims.
Myanmar Earthquake: BNPB Deploys 65 Personnel, Allocates Rp10.9 Billion in Aid
4 hari lalu
BNPB sends 65 personnel and allocates Rp10.9 billion to help the earthquake victims in Myanmar.
BMKG: M5.9 Offshore Earthquake Jolts Ternate in North Maluku
5 hari lalu
The earthquake that occurred is a type of shallow earthquake due to the subduction activities of the Maluku Sea.
