Study of electrode implantation arrangements in electrical stimulation of insect muscles

Abstract

In this study, we study the anatomy, electrical stimulation and wiring arrangements of the insect Mecynorrhina torquata. Firstly, a study of the anatomy of the insect was carried out to identify the types of muscle groups and gain an understanding of the exact locations. The various motions, respectively protraction/retraction, levation/depression, extension/flexion, of the insect legs are reproduced and analyzed to determine the necessary conditions needed to elicit motion. Basic stimulation was then demonstrated and built upon to achieve the common ground stimulation method and further experiments. Using the understanding of electrical stimulation and these conditions, improved electrical systems are implemented in order to find alternative ways of stimulation. In the stimulation procedure, a common output electrode was found and this allowed the numerous output electrodes to be combined into one common output. These findings offer immense potential for future development of an insect-machine hybrid legged robot, possibly to be used in areas such as, but not limited to, disaster relief and military operations.