Brain-controlling mushrooms have long been a staple of science fiction, but now researchers have made impressive strides by using fungal networks to control robots.
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence have successfully integrated the mycelium of the King oyster mushroom into robots, creating biohybrid machines capable of moving and responding to environmental stimuli.
This remarkable innovation, detailed in a recent Science Robotics publication, involved growing mycelium into the electronic systems of two robots, one resembling a starfish and the other equipped with wheels.
The mycelium, known as the underground network of fungi, naturally responds to environmental changes, sending electrical signals much like neurons in a human brain.
The researchers translated these signals into control inputs for the robots, enabling movement when the fungi were exposed to UV light.
Lead researcher Anand Mishra from Cornell’s Organic Robotics Lab explains, “Living systems respond to touch, light, heat, and other inputs.
By leveraging these natural responses, we can design robots that operate effectively in unpredictable environments.”
The use of fungi in robotics offers numerous advantages. Fungal mycelium is known for its durability and ability to thrive in extreme conditions, such as severe cold and high radiation levels that would be detrimental to most plants and animals.
This resilience makes fungi an ideal candidate for biohybrid robots intended for use in harsh environments or even space exploration.
Researchers began their tests by cultivating King oyster mushrooms in the lab. Once the mycelium was fully grown, it was integrated into 3D-printed robotic frames.
An electronic interface processes the mycelium’s electrical activity, translating it into mechanical movement. When the fungi were exposed to light, electrical impulses were generated, triggering the robots’ motors and actuators to move.
This pioneering study not only demonstrates the feasibility of using fungi as biological control systems but also highlights the potential of such biohybrid robots in practical applications.
For example, these robots could be deployed in agricultural fields to monitor soil chemistry.
The fungal network would detect changes or contaminants in the soil, sending electrical signals to the robots to initiate intervention, such as adjusting fertilizer levels to mitigate harmful effects like algal blooms.
“The future of robotics could see biohybrid machines become commonplace,” said senior researcher Rob Shepherd. “These robots could sense environmental changes and respond appropriately, making them invaluable in applications ranging from agriculture to environmental conservation.”
While this research marks a significant step forward, the journey is far from complete. The study opens up possibilities for more sophisticated biohybrid robots that can perform complex tasks by integrating living systems with mechanical systems.
Researchers envision a future where swarms of biohybrid robots equipped with fungal networks could monitor and maintain ecosystems, ensuring their health and sustainability.
According to Mishra, this project is about more than just robot control. It aims to create a deeper connection with living systems, turning invisible microbial responses into tangible actions.
“We may not see the electrical signals produced by fungi, but the robot’s movement visualizes these hidden processes, providing insights into the fungal world’s behavior,” Mishra emphasized.
As scientists delve deeper into the capabilities of fungal networks, we may soon unlock the secrets of these intriguing organisms, potentially harnessing their unique properties to create advanced technologies that bridge the gap between the biological and mechanical worlds.
The whispers of mushrooms, once the stuff of dreams, are becoming a reality with implications that extend far beyond our wildest imaginings.