721 research outputs found
Slime mould tactile sensor
Slime mould P. polycephalum is a single cells visible by unaided eye. The
cells shows a wide spectrum of intelligent behaviour. By interpreting the
behaviour in terms of computation one can make a slime mould based computing
device. The Physarum computers are capable to solve a range of tasks of
computational geometry, optimisation and logic. Physarum computers designed so
far lack of localised inputs. Commonly used inputs --- illumination and
chemo-attractants and -repellents --- usually act on extended domains of the
slime mould's body. Aiming to design massive-parallel tactile inputs for slime
mould computers we analyse a temporal dynamic of P. polycephalum's electrical
response to tactile stimulation. In experimental laboratory studies we discover
how the Physarum responds to application and removal of a local mechanical
pressure with electrical potential impulses and changes in its electrical
potential oscillation patterns
Computers from plants we never made. Speculations
We discuss possible designs and prototypes of computing systems that could be
based on morphological development of roots, interaction of roots, and analog
electrical computation with plants, and plant-derived electronic components. In
morphological plant processors data are represented by initial configuration of
roots and configurations of sources of attractants and repellents; results of
computation are represented by topology of the roots' network. Computation is
implemented by the roots following gradients of attractants and repellents, as
well as interacting with each other. Problems solvable by plant roots, in
principle, include shortest-path, minimum spanning tree, Voronoi diagram,
-shapes, convex subdivision of concave polygons. Electrical properties
of plants can be modified by loading the plants with functional nanoparticles
or coating parts of plants of conductive polymers. Thus, we are in position to
make living variable resistors, capacitors, operational amplifiers,
multipliers, potentiometers and fixed-function generators. The electrically
modified plants can implement summation, integration with respect to time,
inversion, multiplication, exponentiation, logarithm, division. Mathematical
and engineering problems to be solved can be represented in plant root networks
of resistive or reaction elements. Developments in plant-based computing
architectures will trigger emergence of a unique community of biologists,
electronic engineering and computer scientists working together to produce
living electronic devices which future green computers will be made of.Comment: The chapter will be published in "Inspired by Nature. Computing
inspired by physics, chemistry and biology. Essays presented to Julian Miller
on the occasion of his 60th birthday", Editors: Susan Stepney and Andrew
Adamatzky (Springer, 2017
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