Being trapped in a collapsed building or cave is already scary enough without giant cockroaches crawling toward you. But don’t worry! They’re here to help.

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia have worked with biomedical engineers at the University of New South Wales to develop a swarm of cyborg insect paramedics. The Giant Burrowing Cockroaches are outfitted with lightweight electronics that allow them to be piloted remotely, and carry either cameras for visual feedback or remotely activated auto-injection systems.

The equipment allows the robobugs to either send back information to first responders or deliver emergency medical care.

Researchers said the cockroaches have achieved a 95 percent success when shooting injections into their intended targets, but only when positioned within 15 centimeters, or about six inches. In all, the robobugs completed 72 percent of the navigation-and-injection tasks during trials.

The researchers said the cockroaches are given anesthetics during the cyborgification process and that once the electronics are removed, the bugs go on to live a full life.Last year, the same team demonstrated the ability to remotely guide beetles by combining wearable electronics and a video game controller. But they said the cockroaches are better equipped to carry more gear due to their size, strength and agility.

If the technology continues to progress, the researchers said they envision entire cyborg insect rescue teams responding to disasters and other emergencies. So maybe get used to the idea of a giant cockroach shooting needles at you. Because it might just save your life.

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