Device mimics Venus flytrap’s sensory system, can transform robotics

Engineers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a new electronic device that mimics the Venus flytrap’s intelligent prey-capture mechanism.

This innovative device, known as the liquid metal logic module (LLM), has memory and counting capabilities. The device can accumulate and attenuate signals based on external stimuli, allowing it to respond to different types of touches.

The researchers believe this new design paves the way for future biomimetic electronic devices. These devices could be used in various applications, such as robotics, prosthetics, and artificial intelligence.

Mimicking nature’s mechanism

The research, led by Professor Shen Yajing, was inspired by the Venus flytrap’s unique ability to distinguish between different stimuli, such as raindrops and insects.

This ability is attributed to sensory hairs on the plant, which exhibit memory and counting features, allowing it to perceive, generate electrical signals, and remember stimuli.

The LLM mimics this process by employing liquid metal wires in a sodium hydroxide solution as the conductive medium.

By controlling the length of these wires through electrochemical effects, the device regulates cathode output in response to stimuli applied to the anode and gate.

This allows the LLM to memorize the duration and interval of electrical stimuli, calculate the accumulation of signals, and exhibit logical functions similar to those of the Venus flytrap.

To demonstrate the LLM’s capabilities, the researchers constructed an artificial Venus flytrap system incorporating the LLM, switch-based sensory hair, and soft electric actuator-based petals. This system successfully replicated the Venus flytrap’s predation process.

Potential applications

The potential applications of the LLM are far-reaching, extending to functional circuit integration, filtering, artificial neural networks, and more.

“When people mention ‘artificial intelligence,’ they generally think of intelligence that mimics animal nervous systems,” said Professor Yajing.

“However, in nature, many plants can also demonstrate intelligence through specific material and structural combinations. Research in this direction provides a new perspective and approach for us to understand ‘intelligence’ in nature and construct ‘life-like intelligence.’”

This work represents a significant step forward in understanding and replicating biological intelligence.

Future outlook

While still in its early stages, the LLM and the artificial Venus flytrap system offer promising avenues for future research and development in various fields.

The LLM technology can be harnessed in robotics to create robots that can sense and respond to their environment more effectively. Prosthetics stand to benefit as well, with the potential for artificial limbs offering users a more natural and intuitive control experience.

Additionally, it could be used in artificial intelligence to create devices that can learn and adapt to new situations.

That said, the current liquid metal-based device has some limitations as well, such as a slow response time and a relatively large size. However, researchers believe these issues can be resolved through further research and development.