Robots can now move thanks to... fungi. An ambitious project blends biology and robotics to create a new generation of autonomous machines.
Underneath the electronic circuits, the mycelium, the underground structure of fungi, acts as a controller. A surprising concept, but one with great potential.
The team from Cornell University has designed biohybrid robots that respond to their environment not through conventional circuits, but by harnessing the natural electrical signals produced by the mycelium. A true breakthrough in the field of biological interfaces.
Mycelium can detect various physical and chemical signals, interpret them, and generate responses in the form of electrical pulses. This network operates similarly to the human nervous system, making it particularly suitable for communicating with electronic components. The researchers have developed a specialized electrical interface capable of recording the fungi's electrophysiological activity in real-time. These data are then translated into digital commands used to control the robot's actuators.
Two prototypes have been developed: a soft-legged robot resembling a spider, and a wheeled robot. In the initial experiments, both machines moved in response to the mycelium's signals, proving the effectiveness of this novel control method.
To refine their operation, researchers tested the fungi's reaction to ultraviolet light. The result: an instant modification in the robots' movement. Further manipulation allowed for complete control of the robots by influencing the fungal signals.
So far, only light has been used as a stimulus in the experiments. But the fungus is capable of generating diverse signals in response to a wide range of stimuli! It could, for instance, react to pressure, heat, or, more broadly, chemical signatures. With such possibilities, this system could revolutionize agriculture. For example, it could be deployed to monitor soil chemistry and adjust fertilizer input in real-time—an extremely promising solution in light of current environmental concerns.
The synergy between biology and robotics here goes beyond simple research. It paves the way for machines that can perceive and respond to complex environments, making technology more adaptive and intelligent.
Article by: Cédric DEPOND