Cockroach-Controlled Robot
Though probably not the best video to watch over lunch, the cockroach controlling a robot seen here is pretty fascinating. Created by artist Garnet Hertz of UC Irvine, the machine translates the movements of a 5-cm Giant Madagascar Hissing cockroach as it scurries over a large ball. You can almost imagine the little cockroach going "Weeee," as it runs around strapped into its harness, doing its best to avoid crashing into walls.
According the Hertz, the project is "striving to create a pseudo-intelligent system with the cockroach as the CPU." The effect is a rather unpredictable creation, with the insect sometimes sitting still for five minutes or suddenly running in circles.
Video: Garnet Hertz/Vimeo