Insect-Computer Hybrid Speaker: Speaker using Chirp of the Cicada Controlled by Electrical Muscle Stimulation

TL;DR

This work proposes an Insect-Computer Hybrid Speaker that uses Electrical Muscle Stimulation to control cicada tymbal muscles and produce tunable chirps for music. By inserting electrodes and applying square-wave stimuli, the authors manipulate pitch across a range from $A0$ to $F#3$, with the mean maximum chirp near $C#3$ and distinct chirp waveform patterns (CFW, HFW, DFW, IFW) observed. The study systematically maps input voltages and frequencies to emitted sounds, identifying voltage thresholds for different waveform types and highlighting the CFW waveform as the most robust across pitches. The results point to energy-efficient, durable insect-based audio tools that could support communication in emergency scenarios and broaden human–insect interaction interfaces.

Abstract

We propose "Insect-Computer Hybrid Speaker", which enables us to make musics made from combinations of computer and insects. Lots of studies have proposed methods and interfaces for controlling insects and obtaining feedback. However, there have been less research on the use of insects for interaction with third parties. In this paper, we propose a method in which cicadas are used as speakers triggered by using Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS). We explored and investigated the suitable waveform of chirp to be controlled, the appropriate voltage range, and the maximum pitch at which cicadas can chirp.

Figures (3)

• Figure 1: In the left of (a), our user interface of controlling the pitch of a cicada for producing voices by using electrical stimulation on the tymbal muscles of the cicada. In the right of (a) we show the inserted electrodes into a cicada for controlling as follows. (i) The view from the front of the cicada inserted the electrodes. (ii) The view from the side of the cicada inserted the electrodes and abdominal part near the tymbal muscles. (iii) A cross section of the cicada that inserted the electrodes, which is from the pink line. In (b), we show the image of electrodes attached on a cicada.
• Figure 2: With a specified frequency of electrical stimulation (i.e., interval of pitch), we showed that (a) the input electrical waveform, and the following four are produced by cicada's sound, which are (b) the waveform of $CFW$ (Correct Frequency Wave), (c) the waveform of HFW (Half Frequency Wave), (d) the waveform of DFW (Double Frequency Wave), and the waveform of IFW (Irregular Frequency Wave).
• Figure 3: In experiments, we analyzed the range of input voltages were required for producing cicada's sound for each interval of pitch. We found that the type of the cicada's sound, which had the CFW waveform (i.e., those having similar interval with the input electrical waveform), could be produced in most intervals of pitches (i.e., from $A0$ to $F\#3$).