UNDIP, Semarang (February 24) – Mochammad Ariyanto, Ph.D, a humble and dedicated lecturer from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), has brought pride to both UNDIP and Indonesia. He has developed an innovative hybrid insect-based robot, also known as a cyborg insect, designed for search and rescue missions in urban disaster areas.
Mochammad Ariyanto, Ph.D, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering in 2010 and master’s degree in Engineering in 2013 from UNDIP, furthered his academic career in Japan by pursuing a doctoral study at Osaka University, ranked as the fourth-best university in Japan and 86th in the QS World University Rankings. He graduated with remarkable research achievements in March 2024.
Moonshot R&D, a prestigious research funding program in Japan, funded his research on hybrid insect-based robots. His groundbreaking work has led to significant scientific publications, including a paper in Soft Robotics, one of the world’s leading journals in the field.
During his time in Japan, Ariyanto was also entrusted with organizing and delivering a keynote speech at the IEEE Conference on Cyborg and Bionics in Nagoya, Japan. The event gathered top global scientists from institutions such as MIT (USA), the University of Tokyo (Japan), and TU Munich (Germany). His presentation earned him the Best Presentation Award.
Future Cyborg Insect for Disaster Victim Rescue
As reported by Asia Research News, cyborg insects are equipped with two navigation systems that enable them to maneuver more efficiently in complex environments—an advancement over previous cyborg insect technologies that were limited to flat surfaces.
These robotic insects are designed for critical tasks, including inspecting disaster sites that are too dangerous for human responders and locating survivors in extreme conditions.
Additionally, they can navigate narrow spaces such as pipes and collapsed buildings. In the future, they could also be deployed for low-oxygen environments, underwater exploration, and even space missions. Beyond disaster response, cyborg insects could be used to explore sensitive heritage sites that must remain untouched by human presence.
Currently, cyborg insects have been tested in laboratory settings with simple circuits, utilizing their natural behaviors like wall-following and climbing. They have successfully navigated various terrains, including sandy and rocky surfaces, proving their potential for reconnaissance and disaster site exploration.
Due to its high impact, this discovery has been featured in over 20 international media outlets, including NHK Japan’s educational channel.
High Potential for Use in Indonesia
Despite being offered a full-time lecturer position at Osaka University, Ariyanto chose to return to Indonesia to develop his research further. As a compromise, he serves as a visiting professor at Osaka University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering from April 2024 to January 2025, continuing his research collaborations remotely.
While the current cyborg insect technology was initially developed for Japan, Ariyanto believes it can be adapted for Indonesia, a country highly vulnerable to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
At UNDIP, he plans to expand this technology by applying it to birds, fish, and other animals for various beneficial purposes in human life.
“In addition to combining robotics with animals, I also plan to integrate robotics with humans, such as developing bionic hands and exoskeletons, which would be immensely beneficial for both healthy individuals and patients with disabilities,” Ariyanto stated.
UNDIP and Osaka University Sign MoU for Global Collaboration
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si, expressed immense pride in Ariyanto’s achievements, which not only gained international recognition but also hold great potential for disaster mitigation and robotic technology in Indonesia.
He appreciated the activities of Mochammad Ariyanto, Ph.D, who not only returned home with achievements but also opened up other opportunities for collaboration with Osaka University by creating an MoU in the field of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
“What Dr. Mochammad Ariyanto did really supports the tagline of Noble and Valuable UNDIP. 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 useful for our society,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector IV, Wijayanto, Ph.D, emphasized that the collaboration between Universitas Diponegoro and Osaka University demonstrates Indonesia’s scientific excellence on the global stage. We are proud of and appreciate the achievements of Dr. Mochammad Ariyanto, who brought the name 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 cutting-edge research like this to foster more innovations that provide tangible benefits to society and even save lives,” he stated.
Mochammad Ariyanto, Ph.D’s success in developing hybrid insect-based robots is not just a milestone for Universitas Diponegoro but also a proud moment for Indonesia in the global scientific community. UNDIP remains committed to fostering innovations that impact society and drive technological progress. (NH)
