Pigeons as spies? Russia sparks surveillance fears with ‘bio-drones’

Russian neurotechnology company Neiry has tested a neurointerface kit to control pigeons as “bio-drones”, thereby sparking fears of bird-controlled surveillance.

As reported by Forbes Russia, the company has implanted electrodes in pigeons’ brain interfaces, helping the operators to control their flight remotely.

According to Neiry’s issued statement, the company completed the flight test of the first flock of pigeons equipped with neural interfaces from a lab and back. 

Now, the neurotech company is now assessing the flight characteristics of these bio-drones. Some chipped pigeons have been sent thousands of kilometres away while some trials are still confined to Moscow.

How does this neurointerface system work?

The system consists of electrodes implanted into bird’s brain specific areas and are connected to stimulator and controller.

The controller manages a pre-loaded flight plan, similar to those used in UAVs. The stimulator is responsible for sending impulses, influencing birds to turn right or left with positioning provided by GPS.

Neiry also claims that its surveillance follows legal compliance in which artificial intelligence has been used to ensure privacy and protection of personal data.

The company also reported that they are planning to use bio-drones for monitoring of gas and power infrastructure, environmental surveys, search-and-rescue missions, and industrial inspections.

According to Neiry founder Alexander Panov, the current kit will be expected to be used on other species.

. “Right now, the solution works on pigeons, but any bird can be a carrier. To carry more payload, we plan to use ravens for monitoring coastal facilities—seagulls, and for large sea areas—albatrosses,” Panov added.