Russia implants chips into brains of ‘spy’ pigeons as Mad Vlad goals for tech dominance
A Russian start-up company reckons it can use the urban pests in situations where mechanical drones may be limited and already has plans to expand to ravens and seagulls
Pigeons could be used for coo-vert operations in the future (Image: Neiry/e2w news)
Russian scientists developing special chips that can be implanted into pigeons’ brains for espionage activities.
The project, codenamed PJN-1, involves fitting the birds with brain chips and body cameras. This type of technology would also allow operators to modify the animal’s flight path if necessary.
The bonkers move is being developed by Russian start-up Neiry Group, who state that it’s an “early real-world use” of a new platform that uses real birds equipped with implanted neural interfaces, along with compact electronic imaging modules in a small backpack-style unit. They added that they wanted to use living carriers in scenarios where mechanical drones are limited.
“The goal is to apply biological carriers in situations where mechanical drones face range, weight, or other limitations,” they said.
Initial tests involve pigeons equipped with a small controller, solar panels attached to their backs, and a camera similar to those already used in public spaces, according to the firm.
They further clarified that the interface gently stimulates certain areas of the brain, encouraging the bird to favour a specific direction.
The bird continues to behave naturally and the system merely guides it along a predetermined route, reports the Express.
If the imaging function is activated, identifiable details are filtered out on-device to adhere to local privacy laws. Unlike conventional UAVs, these biological carriers don’t require battery changes or frequent landings, and their natural flight behaviour makes them ideal for long-distance routes – up to 400 km without daily stops.
Neiry claims it is assessing potential uses including infrastructure inspections, search-and-rescue operations, coastal and environmental monitoring and surveillance of remote areas.
Alexander Panov, Neiry’s chief executive, is an outspoken backer of Russia’s war in Ukraine and has called on the military to advance further and explore additional methods to secure military superiority on a battlefield now largely controlled by drones.
He previously stated: “Currently, the solution works with pigeons, but any bird could be used as a carrier. To carry more payload, we plan to use ravens. For monitoring coastal facilities, seagulls, and for larger offshore areas, albatrosses.”
The unconventional leader has also previously expressed his ambition to develop a superior form of human, dubbed Homo Superior, which would essentially supersede mankind.
The firm is understood to have received up to £10million in backing from the Kremlin, primarily through the National Technology Initiative, a scheme launched by Vladimir Putin in 2014 to champion Russian dominance in global technology.
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