Hyderabad, Sept. 14: A detailed map of an adult male fruit fly brain is helping researchers and developers explore new ways to control video games, robots and augmented reality environments.
Researchers at HHMI Janelia and Google released MaleCNS v1.0 in early September 2026. The map covers 166,700 neurons and tens of millions of synapses in the fruit fly’s central nervous system.
The researchers used the detailed neural map to build simulations based on the fly’s brain wiring. Developers have demonstrated systems capable of navigating games such as *Super Mario 64* and *Overwatch*.
The technology has also been used to control walking robots and interact with augmented reality environments. These experiments show how biological neural circuits could inspire efficient approaches to controlling machines.
Fruit fly brain map opens new possibilities
However, some of the demonstrations rely on additional software rather than a direct reproduction of the fruit fly brain. The experiments nevertheless highlight the efficiency of the fly’s neural wiring.
Researchers say such brain maps could help scientists understand how relatively small nervous systems process information and control behaviour.
The work could also provide a foundation for mapping larger brains in the future. Possible targets include zebrafish and rodents, although those systems would involve significantly greater complexity.
The MaleCNS v1.0 project therefore represents a step toward connecting detailed brain maps with artificial systems, robotics and interactive digital environments.
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