The thought of an intelligent cockroach that's been hard-wired to hunt you down might give you nightmares – or at least leave you feeling a little queasy.

That's exactly what US scientists have figured out how to do. But don't worry – the little critters have your best interests at heart.

Robo-roach: An electronic backpack with wireless transmission controls the cockroach and sends information back to rescue workers. Credit:Eric Whitmire/North Carolina State University

Researchers at North Carolina State University are turning cockroaches into "biobots" that can help pinpoint the location of survivors at disaster sites, such as under the rubble of a collapsed building.