Researchers at Cornell University have achieved a noteworthy advancement. They developed biohybrid robots capable of efficiently responding to their environment. This innovative approach utilizes the electrical impulses generated by mycelia. Fungal networks are prevalent in forest habitats. The researchers utilized the features of mycelia to control the activities of the robot. This presents encouraging progress in enhancing robotic autonomy. Fungus Controlled Robots
Study Published in *Science Robotics* Unveils Novel Control Mechanism
Anand Mishra, a research associate at Cornell University’s Organic Robotics Lab, led the study published in *Science Robotics*. Rob Shepherd, the senior author, has the position of a professor in the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Their research showcases the ability of mycelia to function as both an environmental sensor and control mechanism when integrated into a robot’s electronic system.
Fungal Mycelia Enable Robots to React to Their Environment
This study marks the beginning of a series of research endeavors that will utilize the fungal realm to augment the independent decision-making capabilities of robots,” stated Shepherd. “Through the incorporation of mycelium into the robot’s electronic components, we enabled it to perceive and react to its surroundings.” For this experiment, light was utilized as the input. However, potential future applications may incorporate chemical sensors. This could aid with duties such as monitoring soil chemistry in agriculture.
Biohybrid Robots Show Movement and Responsiveness
The team created two biohybrid robots, one with the appearance of a spider and the other like a wheeled robot. Both devices were subjected to experiments to showcase their capacity to identify and respond to mycelial impulses. During the initial experiment, both robots exhibited movement in reaction to the ongoing variations in mycelial impulses. In the second trial, when subjected to UV light, the robots modified their movement patterns, indicating that mycelia have the ability to react to changes in their surroundings.
Human Override of Mycelial Signals Enhances Control
In a subsequent experiment, researchers bypassed the natural signals emitted by the mycelia. This exemplifies the capacity for human intervention when necessary.
Mycelia’s Sensing Abilities Hold Promise for Future Robotics
Mycelia, the growth structures of fungi, possess the ability to perceive chemical, biological, and perhaps unidentified signals. “Living organisms inherently react to various stimuli such as tactile, optical, and thermal inputs,” Mishra elucidated. “The utilization of living systems such as mycelia has the potential to significantly augment the capabilities of robots in uncertain and variable environments.”
Funding and Agricultural Potential Highlighted in Research
The research was financially supported by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) CROPPS Science and Technology Center, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the NSF Signal in Soil program. Possible applications in agriculture encompass the utilization of robots to monitor soil chemistry and autonomously determine the optimal timing for adding fertilizer in order to mitigate environmental consequences.
Integrating Biology and Robotics for Autonomous Machines
This research opens the door to innovative biohybrid technologies. It merges biological systems with robotics, expanding the possibilities for autonomous machines.