A study of coleopteran walking gait and electrical stimulation of its middle leg

Abstract

This report aims to provide information on the project of Cyborg Insect Walking Machine. The project involves the inducing of electrical current to perform muscle stimulation on a live beetle. The report will include literature review, anatomy dissection, walking gait experiments and stimulation protocol.

The primary aim of the project is to control the movement of Mecynorrhina Torquata, the 2nd largest flower beetle in the world. By the controlling the movement of the beetle, the walking gait can be manipulated. Identifying the muscle groups that causes movement are done by anatomical dissections. The link between the muscle and the response is established through electrical stimulation.

The walking gait was analysed by using a camera recording as well as VICON system. It was determined that the front leg walking gait is affected when the middle and hind legs are pinned. The response and control protocol for the middle leg was achieved and a video was done to show the results.