Russian Technology Firm Develops Remote-Controlled Surveillance Pigeons Using Bird Brain Implants

A startup based in Russia has made headlines with its controversial claim of developing brain implants designed to enable the remote control of pigeons, effectively transforming these birds into surveillance drones.

Pigeons have been historically utilized as messengers for centuries, having been trained by humans to traverse great distances carrying vital information during wartime and other critical scenarios. Their remarkable sense of direction has made them invaluable in various contexts.

The earliest recorded instances of messenger pigeons date back to ancient Egypt, where they were employed to relay important news regarding agricultural events, political issues, and the Nile’s flooding.

Though the use of homing pigeons has significantly declined over the past few centuries, one innovative Russian tech company, Niery, is attempting to reinvigorate this unique capabilities—albeit in a modernized and contentious manner.

A photo of a flying pigeon. — Unsplash.com: CJ

Introducing Remote-Controlled ‘Surveillance Pigeons’ by Niery

According to Niery, the startup asserts it has successfully engineered neurological implants that are embedded in the brains of pigeons, enabling them to be manipulated remotely. These birds can be further equipped with cameras to monitor their environments, raising eyebrows among skeptics who enjoy conspiracy theories about “non-existent” birds.

In a press release, Niery detailed the operational mechanisms of their technology. It employs a simulator to send navigational signals directing the pigeons on whether to turn left or right, utilizing GPS systems powered by solar panels.

While these surveillance pigeons have not yet been commercialized, founder Alexander Panov mentioned that the technology can be applied to various avian species. He stated, “You don’t need extensive training or conditioning for the birds to perform these tasks.”

If you’ve been with us long enough, naming these three frens should be a breeze pic.twitter.com/288YWBlA4f

— NEIRY (@neirylab) July 15, 2025

Panov elaborated on the versatility of the technology, indicating an interest in using other birds, such as ravens for monitoring coastal facilities and albatrosses for larger oceanic areas, giving them the ability to carry heavier payloads.

Although the ethical implications of this pioneering initiative have not yet been addressed by prominent animal rights organizations, Niery maintains that their process is entirely safe, claiming “100% survivability” by using a precise stereotactic technique to install the electrodes within the birds’ brains.

This innovation comes on the heels of recent incidents involving pigeons, one of which included a chaotic episode on a Delta flight during the summer of 2025, underlining the unexpected potential for these animals to capture public attention.

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