UNDIP, Semarang (24/2) – A simple and humble figure named Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD, a permanent lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Diponegoro University (UNDIP) has brought glory to UNDIP and Indonesia. He created an innovation in the field of insect-based hybrid robots, also called cyborg insects, for search and rescue missions for disaster victims in urban areas.
Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD, completed his Bachelor of Engineering in 2010 and Master of Engineering in 2013 at UNDIP. His scientific career in Japan began when he took his doctoral program at Osaka University, which is the 4th best university in Japan with a ranking of 86 in the QS World University Rankings. He graduated with outstanding research achievements in March 2024.
His collaborative research on insect-based hybrid robots was funded by Moonshot RND, a prestigious research funder in Japan. In addition to insect robots that will benefit humanity, his research has also produced joint publications, including those published in the Soft Robotic journal, one of the world’s top journals in the field of soft robots.
While in Japan, he was also trusted to be the organizer and keynote speaker in a session held at the IEEE Conference on Cyborg and Bionics in Nagoya, Japan. In the event attended by several of the world’s top scientists (MIT, USA; University of Tokyo, Japan; TU Muenchen Germany), Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD, won the Best Presentation Award.
Future Insect Robots Save Disaster Victims
As reported by Asia Research News, cybernetic insects (cyborg insects) are made by developing two navigation systems, so that they can maneuver better in complex environments. This capability exceeds previous findings on cybernetic insects, which were limited to moving in flat environments.
Cybernetic insects are projected to carry out more difficult tasks, including inspecting post-disaster locations that are still too dangerous for humans and also to identify rescue workers in extreme conditions.
In addition, these cybernetic insects can also be ordered to explore narrow environments such as pipes and building ruins. It can also be developed for exploration in low-oxygen environments, ocean and space exploration. Outside of disaster issues, cybernetic insects can also be used to access sensitive cultural heritage sites that should not be touched by humans.
Cyborg insects that have been developed for urban search and rescue missions
Currently, cybernetic insects have been tested in the laboratory with simple circuits, utilizing the natural behavior of insects, such as following walls and climbing, walking on sandy and rocky surfaces.
In all trials on various types of terrain, cybernetic insects have succeeded in achieving their final goal, demonstrating their potential for reconnaissance and exploration purposes at disaster sites.
Due to its enormous benefits in the future, this finding has been reported by more than 20 international media including Japan’s NHK on its education channel.
Cyborg insects are being tested in the laboratory
It has great potential to be developed and utilized in Indonesian society
Because of his achievements, Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD was offered a full-time lecturer position at Osaka University, but he preferred to return and develop his knowledge in Indonesia. As a compromise, he became a visiting professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, Japan which took place from April 2024 to January 2025. He is currently still a visiting professor for online research projects.
With the Research Team at Osaka University, Japan
During the research in Japan, this insect-based hybrid robot technology was indeed created for the benefit of Japan, as a country prone to earthquakes. However, according to Ariyanto, of course, his findings in the future are also very possible to be adapted and developed for the Indonesian people as a country prone to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
Ariyanto said that UNDIP will develop the same technology but applied to birds, fish and other animals for other uses that are beneficial to human life.
“In addition to combining robotics technology with animals, I will also develop a combination of robotics technology with humans such as bionic hands and exoskeletons, which technology will certainly be very beneficial for healthy humans or patients with disabilities,” he added.
UNDIP and Osaka University MoU: Opening Opportunities for Global Collaboration
Meanwhile, UNDIP Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si said that UNDIP is very proud of its achievements which have not only received international recognition, but also brought great benefits to Indonesia, especially in the fields of disaster mitigation and robotics technology.
He appreciated the activities of Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD who not only returned home with achievements but also opened up opportunities for other collaborations with Osaka University by creating an MoU in the field of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
“What Dr. Mochammad Ariyanto did greatly supports the tagline UNDIP Bermartabat, UNDIP Bermanfaat. We continue to support superior research that can answer global challenges and provide real solutions to problems faced by the nation. Hopefully, his findings can be developed at UNDIP and be beneficial for our society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor IV, Wijayanto, Ph.D. said that the collaboration between Diponegoro University and Osaka University is proof of the greatness of our scientists in working side by side with world scientists. We are proud and appreciate the achievements of Dr. Mochammad Ariyanto who has brought the name of UNDIP. His findings have not only received recognition from the international scientific community, but also have great potential to be developed and applied in Indonesia
“UNDIP will continue to support superior research like this so that more innovations can provide real benefits to society and even save human lives,” he said
The success of Mochammad Ariyanto, PhD in developing an insect-based hybrid robot is not only a source of pride for Diponegoro University, but also for Indonesia in the international arena. UNDIP continues to support the birth of new innovations produced by the UNDIP academic community that are beneficial to the wider community. (NH)