Cornell University researchers have developed a new way of controlling robots by utilizing fungal mycelia, a component found on the forest floor. By harnessing mycelia’s natural electrical signals, the researchers were able to create “biohybrid” robots that have the potential to respond to their environment more effectively than purely synthetic robots. This innovative research was published in Science Robotics, with Anand Mishra as the lead author and Rob Shepherd leading the Organic Robotics Lab at Cornell University.
Mycelia are the vegetative part of mushrooms that have the ability to sense and respond to various signals, including chemicals and biological cues. By incorporating mycelia into the electronics of the robots, the researchers were able to allow the biohybrid machines to sense and react to their surroundings. This could have significant applications in various fields, such as agriculture, where robots could potentially sense soil chemistry and make decisions related to adding fertilizers to crops.
The researchers built two biohybrid robots, one shaped like a spider and the other a wheeled bot, to conduct three experiments. In the first experiment, the robots walked and rolled in response to the natural spikes in the mycelia’s signal. When exposed to ultraviolet light in the second experiment, the robots changed their gaits, demonstrating mycelia’s ability to react to different stimuli in the environment. In the third experiment, the researchers were able to override the mycelia’s native signal and control the robots.
This groundbreaking research opens up new possibilities for the use of living systems in robotics, allowing robots to work effectively in unexpected environments by leveraging the unique capabilities of mycelia. By incorporating living components into robots, they can respond to various inputs like touch, light, heat, and other unknown signals. This could revolutionize the field of robotics and lead to the development of more autonomous and adaptable machines that can respond to dynamic environments.
The study was supported by various funding sources, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) CROPPS Science and Technology Center, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and the NSF Signal in Soil program. This support highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in robotics and the potential impact of incorporating living systems into robotics technology.
In conclusion, the use of fungal mycelia in controlling biohybrid robots represents a significant advancement in the field of robotics. By integrating living components into robots, researchers have demonstrated that these machines can effectively respond to their environment and adapt to changing conditions. This research opens up new opportunities for the development of more autonomous and intelligent robots that can be used in various applications, from agriculture to environmental monitoring. The potential for future advancements in robotics utilizing living systems is vast, and this study lays a strong foundation for further exploration in this exciting field.