A team from Cornell University and Florence University has developed biohybrid robots that use the electrical signals generated by king trumpet mushrooms to navigate and sense their environment.
While the concept of integrating living organisms into robotics isn’t entirely new, the incorporation of mushrooms is a particularly intriguing development. Mushrooms, and fungi in general, possess unique characteristics that make them well-suited for such applications. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, sensitivity to changes in their surroundings, and capacity to produce electrical signals all contribute to their potential as biological components in robotic systems.
The researchers cultivated the mycelium of king trumpet mushrooms—the root-like network of fibers that forms the main structure of the fungus—within the robot’s framework. By monitoring the electrical signals generated by the mycelium, they were able to control the robot’s movements and responses to external stimuli. For example, when the mushroom detected light, it produced specific electrical signals that the robot could interpret, prompting movement or a change in direction.
In their experiments, the team used fungal signals to control the movements of both a five-limbed soft robot and a four-wheeled untethered vehicle. “This kind of project is not just about controlling a robot,” says Cornell bioroboticist Anand Mishra. “It is also about creating a true connection with the living system. Because once you hear the signal, you also understand what’s going on. Maybe that signal is coming from some kind of stresses. So you’re seeing the physical response, because those signals we can’t visualize, but the robot is making a visualization.”
Mushroom-powered robots have the potential to impact various fields. In environmental monitoring, they could use fungal sensors to measure air quality, detect water pollution, and assess other environmental factors. In search and rescue missions, these robots could navigate challenging terrains and help locate survivors in disaster areas. In agriculture, fungi could help control robots to assist with planting, harvesting, and pest management. As research continues to advance, we are likely to see even more innovative and practical uses for mushroom-powered robots in the future.
