The robot's navigation system, called McIntosh I, is powered by a novel bioalgorithm based on the principle of a complex cellular automaton modeling Physarum polycephalum. This fascinating single-celled organism is a member of the slime mold family and is called a "natural genius" by experts. It can solve complex problems and find the most efficient route to nutrients by dynamically changing its network structure.
"Its ability for decentralised decision-making and intelligent adaptability served as the inspiration for the algorithm that now powers the robot's navigation system. This gives McIntosh I a whole new level of adaptability and efficiency in navigating in unfamiliar environments," explains Professor Ivan Zelinka, Head of the Laboratory of Unconventional Algorithms and Computation, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO.
The idea to use a slime mold to control robots was born this spring during his visit to the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico. "The original idea was even bolder. To investigate whether a bioalgorithm based on intelligent slimefish behaviour could control an underwater robot to explore the flooded cave systems of the Yucatán Peninsula, one of the longest in the world," Zelinka recalls.

This original concept showed how bioalgorithms could provide robots with unique adaptation capabilities even in the most extreme conditions. The McIntosh I robot opens the door to new ways of solving problems in exploration of unknown environments, logistics or autonomous transport.
"It is proof that inspiration from nature can lead to solutions that go beyond traditional engineering. Bioalgorithms can be the basis for future innovations and change the way machines communicate and adapt to the world around us," adds Ivan Zelinka.

The project is the result of a close collaboration between three leading research institutes. In addition to the Laboratory of Unconventional Algorithms and Computation, scientists from the Artificial Life and Robotics Lab in Mexico and the Unconventional Computing Lab in the UK have also participated.

The McIntosh I robot will be presented for the first time to the scientific community in late November at the International Workshop on Networking, Computing, Systems, and Software at the CANDAR'24 conference in Okinawa, Japan.