A Moscow startup is pushing the boundaries of neurotechnology after reports emerged in late 2025 that pigeons implanted with brain electrodes successfully completed controlled flight tests over the Russian capital.
The company claims that the birds flew preset routes and returned to base on command, marking an unusual step toward animal-machine hybrids that blur the line between biology and robotics.
While the project is framed as a civilian innovation, the timing and capabilities have sparked wider interest in what such systems could become.
The project, known as PJN-1, relies on precise neurosurgery rather than traditional animal training. Surgeons use a stereotactic frame to position microscopic electrodes into specific regions of a pigeon’s brain. These electrodes connect to a small stimulator mounted on the bird’s head, allowing operators to influence movement through electrical impulses.
All supporting electronics are carried in a lightweight backpack. The pack includes a controller, navigation hardware, and solar panels to power the system.
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