Plants are connected to each other by an underground network of fungi that provide them with nutrients, help share resources, and extend their perception abilities.
This mycorrhizal network, known as the Wood Wide Web, plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy natural ecosystems, and in limiting global warming.
The ERC Consolidator grant "I-Wood" will investigate the plant-fungus interactions and pioneer a new paradigm in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence by creating a new class of robots unique in their movement, communication and behavioural abilities inspired by the Wood Wide Web.