European researchers have created a robotic roach that can convince other roaches that it's a sexy super-stud, crawling into their nests and then luring them out into the light with pheromones:
The machines are programmed to act like the insects and are even doused in pheromones that mimic eau de roach – the primary way cockroaches recognize each other. "It's not vision, it's not sound, it's pure chemistry," says scientific coordinator José Halloy from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. The droid enters a roach nest, charms the locals with movements and scent, and then slowly lures its minions into a better-lit area (these quintessential pests usually avoid light).
