Liquid Metal Device Inspired by Venus Flytrap Mimics Intelligent Plant Behavior

Photo byPhoto by Carla Quario on Unsplash

Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have created a liquid metal-based electronic logic device that mimics the prey-capture mechanism of Venus flytraps. This innovative device exhibits properties of memory and counting, allowing it to respond intelligently to various stimuli without additional electronic components. The Venus flytrap's prey-capture mechanism, which distinguishes between different stimuli like raindrops and insects through sensory hairs, inspired the design of this device.

The device utilizes liquid metal wires in a sodium hydroxide solution to control conductive properties based on electrochemical effects. By adjusting the length of these liquid metal wires, the device can remember the duration and interval of stimuli, perform logical functions, and process multiple inputs. This design replicates the prey-capture process of Venus flytraps, demonstrating the device's ability to simulate intelligent behaviour found in nature.

The researchers also constructed an artificial Venus flytrap system that integrates the liquid metal logic module with sensory and actuator components, showcasing potential applications in functional circuit integration, filtering, and artificial neural networks. Their work provides new insights into simulating intelligent behaviours in plants and suggests directions for future research in biologically inspired intelligent systems.

This research challenges traditional notions of artificial intelligence, which typically focus on mimicking animal nervous systems, by highlighting how plants can also exhibit intelligent behaviours through unique material and structural properties. Despite the promising results, the researchers acknowledge that further work is needed to refine the device's design, reduce its size, and enhance its responsiveness.