Neiry tests pigeons controlled via neural interface
Technology
In Moscow, the first flight tests of pigeon biodrones equipped with implanted neural interfaces have been carried out. The birds completed assigned missions and returned to the lab, and Neiry plans to use such biodrones for monitoring infrastructure facilities.
The Russian company Neiry has announced the first flight trials of a flock of pigeon biodrones with implanted neural interfaces. The birds took off from the laboratory and successfully returned under operator control.
Dozens of chipped pigeons are currently undergoing tests to assess their flight performance. Some will remain in Moscow, while others will be sent across distances of “thousands of kilometers.”
Biodrones are living birds with Neiry-developed neural electrodes implanted in their brains. The electrodes are connected to a stimulator and controller placed in a small backpack on the bird. Flight missions are uploaded in the same way as for a UAV, and neural stimulation triggers the bird’s “desire” to fly in the required direction. Navigation is performed via GPS and additional systems. The onboard electronics are powered by solar panels.
According to Neiry, no training is needed — animals become remotely controllable immediately after surgery. The company states that the birds maintain a normal lifestyle and their lifespan does not decrease.
Neiry highlights that biodrones surpass traditional UAVs in both flight duration and operational range. Their crash probability equals that of a regular bird, making them safe for urban environments.
The company previously reported connecting a rat’s brain to artificial intelligence in 2024, and in 2025 announced a project to install neural chips in cows to increase milk yield.
Dozens of chipped pigeons are currently undergoing tests to assess their flight performance. Some will remain in Moscow, while others will be sent across distances of “thousands of kilometers.”
Biodrones are living birds with Neiry-developed neural electrodes implanted in their brains. The electrodes are connected to a stimulator and controller placed in a small backpack on the bird. Flight missions are uploaded in the same way as for a UAV, and neural stimulation triggers the bird’s “desire” to fly in the required direction. Navigation is performed via GPS and additional systems. The onboard electronics are powered by solar panels.
According to Neiry, no training is needed — animals become remotely controllable immediately after surgery. The company states that the birds maintain a normal lifestyle and their lifespan does not decrease.
Neiry highlights that biodrones surpass traditional UAVs in both flight duration and operational range. Their crash probability equals that of a regular bird, making them safe for urban environments.
The company previously reported connecting a rat’s brain to artificial intelligence in 2024, and in 2025 announced a project to install neural chips in cows to increase milk yield.
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