Shroombots

Robots and mushrooms might sound like an odd pairing, but an international team of researchers has found a surprising connection.

In a new study, they created “biohybrid” machines that can sense and respond to their surroundings by growing fungal mycelia – the underground threads of mushrooms – into robotic electronics,

“This paper is the first of many that will use the fungal kingdom to provide environmental sensing and command signals to robots to improve their levels of autonomy,” Rob Shepherd, senior researcher and professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell University, said in a statement.

For their experiments, Shepherd and his colleagues used the king oyster mushroom, or Pleurotus eryngii, which is known for its resilience and adaptability.

This fungus has a knack for responding to environmental changes through neural-like electrical signals. By tapping into these signals, researchers controlled two robots: A spider-like soft robot and a wheeled vehicle.

The process wasn’t simple.

Scientists recorded the mycelia’s electrophysiological activity – or its “thoughts” – and translated it into digital commands to direct robotic movements, explained Science Alert.

They used ultraviolet light to stimulate the fungi, prompting it to adjust the robots’ gaits or shift their direction.

Living systems “respond to touch, they respond to light, they respond to heat, they respond to even some unknowns, like signals,” lead author Anand Mishra said in the release.

While its movements are a bit wonky and clumsy, these fungal robots could revolutionize fields, such as agriculture and environmental science.

“The potential for future robots could be to sense soil chemistry in row crops and decide when to add more fertilizer,” explained Shepherd.

More than just controlling a robot, this project bridges the gap between living systems and machines.

While the mushrooms’ “dreams” remain unknown, their electrical whispers are unlocking new possibilities, hinting at a future where robots and fungi work in harmony to improve our world.