The Future Of Octofungi
Brain
Octofungi's brain is going to undergo a major revision. Currently, it simulates the base of the spine in a human being, the spine being the center of reflexive behavior. The first modification will be the placement of an "overseer" brain on top of the "reflex" brain. The overseer will examine the inputs received by the reflex brain and find patterns of inputs via a true neural network. The reflex brain is not capable of seeing time-dependent sequences of inputs, but the overseer will be. The overseer will also be capable of giving the legs time-dependent output based on these patterns.
The upshot of all this is as follows: Octofungi will recognize sequences of movements and reply with sequences. Octofungi will also be able to learn new sequences since the overseer brain will be a true neural network.
Next will come a genetically programmed neural network. The network is derived by placing a base population of networks into a software shell in which they can compete, breed and mutate. The weights of the interconnections between neurons can change genetically, as can the mathematical rules by which the neurotransmitters migrate from one neuron to another. Even the basic structure of the neurons can change. With this technique, Yves hopes to derive a network structure that is optimized for Octofungi's brain. In addition, different Octofungis can be given different genetic brains. Since the brains will have different genotypes, or genetic structures, the brains will have different phenotypes, or behaviors.
Body
The body will probably be completely redesigned. The current body is not actually a prototype - there was an earlier version - but this body is the first we have made since implementing many changes, most notably the leg sensors. Currently, there is a slight ambient light problem with these sensors that was alleviated by placing "mustaches" around them but a new design should alleviate this problem.
The body also needs to become lighter. The muscle wire can only lift a certain weight, and currently the body is slightly heavier than it should be..
eyes
brain
body
interlocks
spine boards
shoulders 
legs
leg sensors
muscle wire
materials
electronics
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