Robot controlled by a king oyster mushroom blends living organisms and machines
Cornell University researchers developed biohybrid robots using living king oyster mushroom mycelium, which respond to electrical signals and light, with potential agricultural applications and ecological concerns regarding their deployment.
Read original article
Researchers at Cornell University have developed biohybrid robots that integrate living king oyster mushroom mycelium with mechanical components. These robots utilize the electrical signals generated by the mycelium, which can sense and respond to environmental stimuli, such as light. The study, published in the journal Science Robotics, highlights the potential of biohybrid robotics, a field that merges biological materials with synthetic systems. The mycelium, which acts similarly to neurons, was cultivated to interface with the robots, allowing them to move in response to electrical spikes and light stimuli. This innovative approach could lead to practical applications in agriculture, such as monitoring soil chemistry and optimizing fertilizer use. The research team noted that fungi might offer advantages over other biological materials due to their resilience and ability to thrive in various environments. However, experts also caution about the ecological implications of deploying such robots in natural habitats, as they could disrupt local ecosystems. Overall, this work represents a significant step in the exploration of biohybrid systems, showcasing the potential for fungi to enhance robotic capabilities.
- Cornell University researchers have created robots controlled by living king oyster mushroom mycelium.
- The robots respond to electrical signals and light stimuli, demonstrating biohybrid robotics' potential.
- Applications may include agricultural monitoring and optimizing fertilizer use.
- Fungi may be more resilient than other biological materials for robotic integration.
- Ecological concerns arise regarding the deployment of biohybrid robots in natural environments.
Related
Chinese scientists create robot with brain from human stem cells
Chinese scientists have created a robot with a human stem cell-based artificial brain, using brain-on-chip tech for tasks like object gripping. The innovation merges brain organoids and neural interface chips, advancing brain-computer interfaces for human-robot intelligence and medical uses.
Scientists build robot controlled by a brain in a jar
Scientists developed a robot controlled by a brain-on-chip technology called 'mini-brain'. The robot, MetaBOC, uses organoids and AI for movements. This innovation merges biological components with robotics for future advancements.
Engineers Gave a Mushroom a Robot Body and Let It Run Wild
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence created a biohybrid system integrating the mushroom Pleurotus eryngii with robotics, enabling it to control vehicles through environmental stimuli, enhancing technology connections.
Mushroom learns to crawl after being given robot body
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence developed a biohybrid robot using a king trumpet mushroom to control movements, enhancing adaptability for applications in agriculture and robotics.
Scientists Create Robot Controlled by Blob of Human Brain Cells
Researchers from Tianjin University and Southern University of Science and Technology developed a robot controlled by human brain organoids, exploring brain-computer interfaces and potential applications for repairing brain damage.
1 commentsRelated
Chinese scientists create robot with brain from human stem cells
Chinese scientists have created a robot with a human stem cell-based artificial brain, using brain-on-chip tech for tasks like object gripping. The innovation merges brain organoids and neural interface chips, advancing brain-computer interfaces for human-robot intelligence and medical uses.
Scientists build robot controlled by a brain in a jar
Scientists developed a robot controlled by a brain-on-chip technology called 'mini-brain'. The robot, MetaBOC, uses organoids and AI for movements. This innovation merges biological components with robotics for future advancements.
Engineers Gave a Mushroom a Robot Body and Let It Run Wild
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence created a biohybrid system integrating the mushroom Pleurotus eryngii with robotics, enabling it to control vehicles through environmental stimuli, enhancing technology connections.
Mushroom learns to crawl after being given robot body
Researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence developed a biohybrid robot using a king trumpet mushroom to control movements, enhancing adaptability for applications in agriculture and robotics.
Scientists Create Robot Controlled by Blob of Human Brain Cells
Researchers from Tianjin University and Southern University of Science and Technology developed a robot controlled by human brain organoids, exploring brain-computer interfaces and potential applications for repairing brain damage.