Researchers are creating "biobots," remotely-controlled moths that can be used for human search and rescue operations in natural and man-made disasters.

To build these creatures, researchers are developing a method that can electronically manipulate a moth's flight muscles.

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Alper Bozkurt from North Carolina State University explained the idea is to attach sensors to moths to create a flexible aerial sensor network.

Through this network, researchers hope they can identify survivors or public health hazards in the wake of a disaster.

Researchers suggest that attaching electrodes to moths during the pupal stage when the caterpillar is in a cocoon undergoing metamorphosis into a winged adult moth.

Bozhurt explained that by attaching electrodes to the muscle groups responsible for the moth's flight, researchers can monitor its electromyographic signals.

Electromyographic signals are electric signals used by moths during flight that tells the muscles what to do.

The moth will be connected to a wireless platform that can collect electromyographic data as it moves it wings, he explained.

Bozhurt explained that by observing how moths use their wings to steer while in flight and matching those movements with their corresponding electromyographic signals, scientist can understand how moths maneuver through the air.

He said they're optimistic their findings can help them develop technologies to control the movements of moths in flight.

Researchers believe this is essential in creating biobots that can be part of a cyberphysical sensor network.

Bozhurt believes there's a lot of work to be done to create a moth biobot. Researchers, however, now have a platform that can collect data about their flight coordination.

Bozhurt explained the next step will include the development of an automated system that can explore and fine-tune parameters to control moth flight.

This will be done through miniaturized technology to be tested in free-flying moths.