Ergonomic Insect Headgear and Abdominal Buckle with Surface Stimulators Manufactured via Multimaterial 3D Printing: Snap-and-Secure Installation of Noninvasive Sensory Stimulators for Cyborg Insects

Insects have been integrated with electronic systems to create cyborg insects for various practical applications by utilizing their inherent adaptability and mobility. Nevertheless, most cyborg insects’ preparation depends on the invasive method, which can cause harm to critical sensory organs and restrict the obstacle-negotiating capabilities of cyborg insects. We present wearable devices with headgear and abdominal buckle that address these challenges using hooking mechanisms, multimaterial 3-dimensional printing, and selective electroless plating. These devices attach securely to the antenna scape and abdominal tergum without damaging functional organs, thereby preserving the insect’s natural sensory functions and physical intactness. Besides, the electrodes attach and detach easily without using adhesives, reducing the time required for cyborg insect preparation and enabling the reuse of insects. Experiments show that cyborg insects with wearable devices spend less time traversing obstacles than those prepared using invasive methods. Additionally, the potential for practical navigation tasks is further demonstrated by the cyborg insect’s capacity to navigate along the “S”-path. This work advances scalable, efficient, and ethical utilization of cyborg insects in the fields of robotics and biohybrid systems.