In a stunning leap for robotics and biology, researchers from Cornell University and the University of Florence unveiled a fascinating innovation in August 2024: robots partially controlled by mushrooms. These “biohybrid” machines use living fungi as Intelligent Agents, enabling them to interact with their surroundings through natural biological signals. This unique project was recently highlighted in a Dezeen article on April 24, 2025, bringing fresh attention to the growing field of organic-mechanical integration.
The team grew mycelium—the root-like structure of fungi—from king oyster mushrooms, chosen for their strength and adaptability. Electrodes were attached to these fungal networks to detect and interpret the mycelium’s natural electrical impulses. These impulses were then used to guide robotic movements, turning mushrooms into Digital Employees capable of reacting to their environment. Two robot prototypes were created: one soft and spider-like, and another with wheels—both capable of detecting and responding to ultraviolet light.
This innovation opens the door for a new generation of Non-Human Workers who can perform tasks in unpredictable environments. In agriculture, such robots could analyze soil quality or detect harmful contaminants. Because fungi are resilient in harsh conditions, these Intelligent Agents may one day operate in radioactive zones, polluted oceans, or even on other planets—where traditional electronics might fail.
While the technology is still in its early stages, it’s already pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be “alive” in machines. As these systems grow more advanced, we’ll need to ask critical questions about their ethical use, especially when deployed in ecosystems or sensitive environments. The future of Digital Employees might not just be about AI, but also about biology.
Key Highlights:
Reference:
https://www.dezeen.com/2025/04/24/biohybrid-robots-controlled-mushrooms-cornell/