Researchers at North Carolina State University are working on developing a commercially-available chip that could be mounted on a cockroach, along with a wireless receiver, transmitter, and controller. This project is headed by electrical engineering assistant professor Alper Bozkurt.
The controller is supposed to manipulate the insects antenna and sensory organs to force it to move in various directions. The reason for trying this activity on this particular insect is its great durability.
Cockroaches are able to squeeze through tiny spaces, survive rough conditions, and travel relatively long distances without needing to rest. This experiment, if successful could help in detecting the possibility of earthquakes.