For the first time, scientists are able to control mid-air movements of living, free-flying insects. The scientists took help of a radio transmitter and a miniature backpack of electronics to control takeoff and land, fly to the right or left. They also used all these equipment to hover in mid-flight relying on the radio commands.

According to the scientists, if the technology is further refined, it could be possible in the future to make use of flying insects as miniature drones loaded with tiny electronic sensors for flying over. It could also be used for searching difficult terrain or search-and-rescue missions.

As per the researchers, electronics have been utilized before in order to control the movements of insects. It is considered to be the first scientific demonstration of utilizing radio commands in order to control the fine aerial movements of free-flying beetles. Hirotaka Sato of the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore said that beetles are perfect study subjects as they can carry comparatively heavy payloads.

"We could easily add a small microphone and thermal sensors for applications in search-and-rescue missions. With this technology, we could safely explore areas not accessible before, such as the small nooks and crevices in a collapsed building”, said Dr Sato.

The study in the journal Current Biology included the attachment of a tiny microprocessor. The study also involved a built-in wireless receiver and transmitter on the back of the giant flower beetle. According to the researchers, the device has a 3.9 volt lithium battery and is connected to six micro-electrodes implanted into the insect's wing-folding coleopteran muscles.

For two centuries, the coleopteran muscles were not considered appropriate for flying purpose. Dr. Sato said their wireless system enabled them to record neuromuscular movements in natural, free flight, showing this muscle is also used for turning. From tests in an indoor flight laboratory it was found that flower beetles can make swerve to the right or left and make a carefully-controlled, right-angled turn.