Khaberni - Russian scientists have succeeded in turning ordinary pigeons into what is known as "biodrones" or biological aircraft, by implanting chips and electronic electrodes inside the birds' brains, in an unprecedented scientific experiment that opens the door to broad applications in the fields of reconnaissance, surveillance, and infrastructure, amid ethical questions and concerns about military applications.
According to Alexander Bobinok, project office director at Neiry, the developer of the technology, the pigeons live their normal lives but receive direct neural signals to the brain, which make them execute pre-determined commands, such as flying to specific locations and transmitting what the mounted cameras capture back to the control center.
The pigeons undergo precise surgical intervention, during which electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain, along with a small electronic unit mounted on the chest resembling a mini backpack, connected to the electrodes through a thin connector, through which commands are sent or flight paths are uploaded, either in advance or through direct control by the operator.
The developers of the technology confirm that the process is conducted under full anesthesia, and does not cause pain to the birds, and that the pigeons return after the completion of the mission to their habitat, where the equipment is removed so they can live normally.
Why pigeons?
Bobinok explained that birds outperform traditional drones in several aspects, most notably in their lack of need for charging or fuel or complex technical maintenance, as they rely on their natural instincts to search for food and rest, which enables them to cover long distances without notable operating costs.
According to the company's data, the range of pigeon flight reaches more than 1000 kilometers, with speeds that can reach up to 185 kilometers per hour, while their weight is about 300 grams only.
The project is not limited to pigeons alone, as Neiry is developing similar technologies for crows, known for their high intelligence, and for albatrosses capable of flying vast distances over the seas, and the company has already begun practical experiments on cows, using neural stimulators to improve milk production, in trials that are still under evaluation.
Civil uses.. and military concerns
The company indicates that current applications include monitoring long-distance power lines to detect faults, or flying over farms to monitor animals and protect them from predators, provided there is a connection to transmit images, but despite this, it is difficult to separate this technology from potential military applications.
While the developers refrain from explicitly discussing this aspect, they affirm that their role is limited to developing the technology, while the decision to use it remains in the hands of the requesting parties.
During the testing phase, the pigeons' cameras capture faces of people and vehicle numbers, but all data undergo an automatic "blurring" process (Blur) in compliance with the laws.
However, the developers admit that the mechanism of blurring or its cancellation ultimately depends on the operating party and the type of cameras used.
What if it is attacked by a cat?
The project managers recognize the existence of natural risks, such as pigeons being attacked by animals, so some missions are carried out using groups of birds instead of just one, to reduce losses, and experts confirm that these risks are not much different from those faced by traditional drones.
Limited production and undisclosed cost
The company cooperates with specialized farms housing thousands of pigeons, where the birds undergo examinations and vaccinations, and only strong and healthy males are selected, and according to Bobinok, currently, two pigeons can be prepared daily, with the possibility of increasing production in the future.
As for the cost, the company refuses to disclose it, but confirms that it is close to the prices of drones of the same category, with the price varying according to the type of additional equipment carried by the aircraft.
These developments occur in the context of a global race to develop technologically enhanced living beings, as similar research is being conducted in several countries on rats, insects, and fish, while American entities, including DARPA, have announced experiments aimed to use living organisms for reconnaissance and military purposes.
With the expansion of these research efforts, ethical questions about the limits of intervention in the brains of living beings escalate, and whether the future will witness armies of "smart biological entities" operated by human guidance or even artificial intelligence, in a reality that is not only close to science fiction but also knocking powerfully on the doors of the present.
