Attack of the Cockroaches

Garnet Hertz has created a hybrid machine that combines a Trackball controlled 3 wheel robot and a Madagascan hissing cockroach. The cockroach is mounted above the trackball like device and steers the robot. The direction is controlled by using infrared sensors to provide navigation feedback which in turn light up LED's facing the cockroach. As cockroaches dislike light, it tries to scuttle away from the light, thus changing the robots movements.

Is the cockroach in pain?
Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches make a loud "alert hiss" when they are angry. They also enjoy feel safe when crammed into a tight space. Their cuticle has no nerve endings in it. Because of these reasons, and because they do not illustrate a fearful hiss when controlling the robot, it is my opinion that they are in no pain, and do not mind being in the robot system.

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[Via. Engadget]