Russian Firm Develops Brain-Implanted Pigeons for Remote Surveillance Tasks
Russian Firm Develops Brain-Implanted Pigeons for Remote Surveillance Tasks
Russian Firm Develops Brain-Implanted Pigeons for Remote Surveillance Tasks
A Russian neurotechnology company, Neiry, has unveiled a controversial innovation that turns pigeons into remotely controlled “biodrones” using brain implants and GPS technology.
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The company announced that it has successfully tested the system on a flock of pigeons in Moscow. Each bird was fitted with tiny electrodes implanted in its brain, connected to a lightweight backpack containing a GPS controller and power unit. Through controlled electrical impulses, operators are able to steer the birds’ movements in real time, effectively guiding their flight paths without the need for traditional training.
According to Neiry, the technology allows humans to direct birds instinctively, bypassing months of conditioning normally required to train animals for specific tasks. The company says the biodrones are powered by solar energy and can operate for extended periods, making them more efficient and discreet than conventional drones in certain environments.
Neiry claims the biodrones could be used to monitor power lines, survey remote or hard-to-reach areas, and conduct industrial inspections where standard drones struggle due to terrain, weather, or battery limitations. Because the birds blend naturally into their surroundings, the company argues they are less noticeable and more adaptable than mechanical alternatives.
Looking ahead, Neiry says it plans to expand the project beyond pigeons, with future tests involving ravens and seagulls, which are known for their intelligence, endurance, and ability to fly long distances.
However, the announcement has already sparked ethical concerns, with critics questioning the implications of implanting devices into animals’ brains and the potential misuse of such technology. As neurotechnology continues to advance, Neiry’s biodrone project sits at the intersection of innovation, surveillance, and animal welfare — a space likely to attract increasing global scrutiny.
Russian Firm Develops Brain-Implanted Pigeons for Remote Surveillance Tasks
