VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Researchers of Bandung Institute of Technology –ITB develop cockroach-shaped robots for silent intelligence operations. The superiority is that the robots can later do tapping and reconnaissance like in the movies. The development of the robots is based on the absence of insect-shaped robot technology that is marketed, except only for toy capacity. Meanwhile, the need for silent monitoring technology is in demand. The cockroach robots are developed by a team led by Augie Widyotriatmo Ph.D., from the Instrumentation and Control Expertise Group, the ITB Faculty of Industrial Technology and assisted by bachelor and magister students. The development was carried out at the Faculty of Industrial Technology Instrumentation and Metrology Laboratory. Augie Widyotriatmo explained that the cockroach robots are currently in the development stage. The function has been tested, but has not been placed into a cockroach-shaped cover. He targets that at the end of the year, the stage will  be finished. The robots are expected to be able to collect data and information needed more easily and precisely. Therefore, the Instrumentation and Control Expertise Group collaborates with the Bio media Animal Development and Animal Physiology Expertise Group. The cockroach robot has a nano controller device, a mini computer, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, a sensor, a 5-megapixel camera that can autofocus, and it is equipped with a microphone for sound tapping. It is also equipped with two motors as a driver and communication between one robot and another robot using connected Wi-Fi. In subsequent developments, the robot will be minimized because the current size is too big to be used as a surveillance device. Augie wants the cockroach robot to have a face tracking application or can follow the targeted human face. In its reconnaissance, this robot is looking for a location in the corner so it is not seen in the middle of the crowd.