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Cornell Scientists Develop Biohybrid Robot Controlled by King Oyster Mushroom Mycelium

Sep 18, 2024, 11:51 AM

Scientists at Cornell University have developed a novel 'biohybrid' robot that moves in response to electrical signals from fungal mycelium. This innovative approach integrates mycelium, the root system of fungi, which senses and communicates through electrical signals, into the robotic framework. The development represents a significant advancement in biohybrid robotics, tapping into the natural sensing capabilities of fungi to control robotic movements. Researchers cultivated king oyster mushrooms in a lab, integrated cells into robot scaffolding, and created an interface to process the electrical activity of the mycelium, enabling manipulation of the robot. This breakthrough could pave the way for more sophisticated biohybrid systems in the future.