at Cornell University As a result of the research, the team led by Robert Shepherd developed an interesting technology that integrates the king oyster mushroom mycelium into the hardware of robots.

It is known that this highly multidisciplinary research was carried out by bringing together experts from various fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, biology, mycology and signal processing.

These robots, which they developed using the mycelium of the king oyster mushroom, can move directly based on the electrical signals produced by the mushroom.

In other words, a wonder of nature, a mushroom on the one hand, and a robot, a wonder of technology, come together to create a bio-hybrid We can also say that there is an emerging technology.

king oyster mushroom myceliumIn fact, they are root-like structures beneath the fungus’ soil, which allow the fungus to survive by creating a network that transports nutrients and senses environmental conditions.

Because mycelium has the ability to produce electrical signals, scientists know by detecting electrical signals They discovered that they could control a robot.

So how exactly is this possible?

By proposing that the mycelium acts as a biological electricity producer, the researchers found that the mycelium By integrating into your hardware They managed to capture these electrical signals with electrodes.

As a result of wrapping the electrodes in the growing mycelium threads of the fungus, the fungus is created detects natural electrical activity It is stated.

However, because the mycelium is very thin, it cannot receive these signals. catch correctly It is also added that it is quite difficult.

We understood the basics of the subject. So how does the robot move?

Researchers have developed a system that can read the raw electrical signals produced by the fungus. By developing an interfaceThey ensure that this interface can convert the signals from the mycelium into digital information and send this information to the robot’s motors.

So the signals coming from the mycelium are those of the robot like his brain It works and allows the robot to move.

Moreover, robots rely not only on electrical signals, but also on signals such as ultraviolet light. environmental factors also It is mentioned that he can respond.

To clarify: the mushroom doesn’t like light, so the robot according to the light intensity It is said to be able to perform activities such as accelerating or changing direction.

This discovery by the researchers will be used in the future, especially in agriculture. in various areas It is also mentioned that it can be used.

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