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Engineers Create Biohybrid Robot Controlled by Living Mushroom for Enhanced Mobility and Sensing, (from page 20241110.)

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Summary

Engineers at Cornell University and Florence University have developed a biohybrid robot controlled by living fungi, specifically a king trumpet mushroom. This innovative robot uses electrical signals from the mushroom to navigate and sense its environment, marking a significant advancement in living robotics. The robot reacts to various stimuli, such as light and heat, allowing it to adapt to unexpected conditions. The integration of the mushroom’s mycelium into the robot’s electronics enables it to respond to environmental changes, which could have applications in agriculture, such as optimizing fertilizer use. This research, published in ‘Science Robotics’, highlights the potential of using mushrooms in robotics, building on previous experiments with other living organisms.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Biohybrid Robotics with Fungi Robots using living fungi for sensing and movement. Transition from traditional robotics to biohybrids that utilize living organisms. Widespread use of biohybrid robots in agriculture and environmental monitoring by 2033. Advancements in biotechnology and the need for adaptive robotics in unpredictable environments. 4
Adaptive Response to Environmental Signals Mushroom-controlled robots respond to various environmental stimuli. Shift from static robots to dynamic systems that can adapt to their surroundings. Robots will autonomously adjust their functions based on real-time environmental data. The demand for robots that can operate in diverse and changing conditions. 5
Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Biohybrid robots could improve agricultural practices. Move towards more sustainable, responsive farming techniques. Integration of biohybrid robots in agriculture could reduce chemical usage and environmental damage. Growing concerns over climate change and the environmental impact of traditional farming. 5
Living Organisms in Robotics Use of living organisms like fungi in robotics is gaining traction. From purely mechanical robots to those incorporating biological materials. Robotics will increasingly incorporate living systems for enhanced functionality and resilience. The intersection of biology and technology leading to innovative solutions. 4
Emerging Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration between biology and engineering in robotics development. Expansion of interdisciplinary approaches in robotics and automation. More universities will integrate biology and engineering programs for innovative robotics solutions. The need for multifaceted solutions to complex problems in robotics. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Ethical Implications of Living Machines The integration of living organisms into machines raises ethical questions about sentience and the treatment of these organisms. 4
Environmental Impact of Biohybrids Deployment of biohybrid robots in natural ecosystems could disrupt local environments or introduce unforeseen consequences. 5
Security Risks of Living Robotics Biohybrid machines may be vulnerable to hacking or manipulation, potentially leading to harmful consequences. 5
Dependence on Biological Systems Relying on living organisms for robotic functions can create challenges in reliability and maintenance. 3
Unpredictable Behavior in Biohybrids Living systems may not behave predictably, which could lead to unintended actions in robotic applications. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Biohybrid Robotics Development The creation of robots that integrate living organisms, such as fungi, to enhance mobility and environmental responsiveness. 5
Adaptive Response Mechanisms Robots utilizing living systems to respond to various environmental stimuli, enhancing their adaptability in unforeseen conditions. 5
Sensing Soil Chemistry The potential for biohybrid robots to analyze soil conditions and make agricultural decisions autonomously. 4
Integration of Living Systems in Robotics The trend of incorporating biological components into robotic systems to improve functionality and resilience. 5
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Robotics Collaboration between different scientific disciplines, such as engineering and biology, to innovate in robotics. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Biohybrid Robots Robots that integrate living organisms, such as fungi, to enhance sensing and mobility capabilities in unpredictable environments. 5
Fungal-Controlled Robotics Robots that use electrical signals from living fungi to navigate and respond to environmental stimuli. 4
Living Systems in Robotics Robots that leverage living systems’ responses to various environmental inputs for adaptive functionality. 4
Mycelium-Integrated Electronics Integrating fungal mycelium into robot electronics to enhance environmental sensing and response. 5
Biohybrid Robotics Applications in Agriculture Using biohybrid robots to monitor soil chemistry and optimize fertilization in agriculture. 4
Integration of Living Tissue in Robotics Robots that incorporate living muscle tissue to sense and adapt to their surroundings, enhancing their functionality. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Biohybrid Robotics The integration of living fungi into robots allows for enhanced environmental responsiveness, potentially revolutionizing robotics. 5
Sustainable Agriculture Technology Biohybrid robots could assess soil chemistry and optimize fertilizer use, reducing environmental impacts like algal blooms. 4
Living Systems in Robotics Utilizing living organisms in robotics could lead to more adaptive machines capable of responding to unexpected stimuli. 4
Ethical Considerations in Bioengineering The use of living organisms in technology raises ethical questions about manipulation and autonomy of biohybrid systems. 3
Applications of Fungal Biology The unique properties of mushrooms may open new avenues in robotics and environmental science, indicating a need for further exploration. 4