Russian tech company uses bird brain implants to create remote-controlled surveillance pigeons

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A Russian startup says it’s created brain implants for pigeons, allowing them to be remotely controlled and used as flying surveillance devices.

For centuries, people have relied on pigeons to deliver messages. These birds were carefully trained over thousands of years to carry vital information over long distances, especially during wars and crises.

Messenger pigeons have a surprisingly long history – the earliest known use was in ancient Egypt, where they delivered important information about things like farming, wars, and the Nile River’s floods.

Although homing pigeons aren’t used much anymore, a Russian tech company is trying to revive the idea – with a modern twist.

Russian tech startup is making remote controlled ‘surveillance pigeons’

A Russian company called Niery says it has developed brain implants for pigeons, allowing them to be controlled remotely. They claim to have successfully tested these implants on the birds.

Researchers are now using cameras attached to birds to monitor the environment around them. (This might seem like confirmation to those who believe birds aren’t real!)

I was reading about this amazing new tech, and apparently, it works by using a little simulator that guides pigeons! It sends them signals to turn left or right, and it uses GPS to do it. The really cool part? The whole system is powered by solar panels, so it’s super eco-friendly!

Although Niery hasn’t started selling this service yet, its founder, Alexander Panov, believes any bird can be used for these jobs. He also says the birds don’t require any specific training to take part.

If you’ve been with us long enough, naming these three frens should be a breeze

— NEIRY (@neirylab) July 15, 2025

Currently, our system uses pigeons, but it’s designed to work with any bird. We’re planning to use ravens to monitor coastlines because they can carry heavier loads. For monitoring vast ocean areas, we intend to use albatrosses, and seagulls for smaller sea areas.

Although major animal rights groups haven’t yet commented on the procedure, Niery insists it’s completely safe. He states that using a precise, stereotactic method to implant electrodes in the birds’ brains guarantees 100% survival.

People are once again talking about pigeons causing trouble online, following an incident last summer where pigeons disrupted a Delta flight.

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2026-02-07 00:51