Shroom
An IOT device used to identify and test poisonous mushrooms in the wild.
8 week Project
A solo project with an Internet of Things brief. The physical device connects to the Internet of Things to identify and chemically test poisonous mushrooms in the forest.
The Problem
In 2020/21, 3% of NPIS* referrals were due to the consumption of poisonous wild mushrooms
Currently, mushroom foragers rely on visual identification guides such as images, guide books and previous experience. Visual methods can be unreliable as edible and poisonous mushrooms can look eerily similar.
The most common poisonous mushroom in the UK is the death cap which can kill up to 90% of those who consume it. This mushroom can often confused with the false deathcap and some dapperlings.
The Solution
The most accurate method of identification would be the chemical drop tests.
It is important the chemical drop test is performed on fresh mushrooms, within an hour of picking otherwise results can be inaccurate.
It is important the chemical drop test is performed on fresh mushrooms, within an hour of picking otherwise results can be inaccurate.
In chemical identification tests, a reagant is dropped on the mushroom and a colour change is expected. The reagant is dependent on the mushroom family and the resultant colour can help identify the species and any deadly amatoxins.
The 3 most common chemical reagants used in mushroom testing are:
4% KOH (potassium hydroxide, aqueous)
10% FeSO4 (iron sulfate, aqueous)
NH3OH (dilute ammonia, aqueous
4% KOH (potassium hydroxide, aqueous)
10% FeSO4 (iron sulfate, aqueous)
NH3OH (dilute ammonia, aqueous
the Concept
Design a portable mushroom identification device which can perform live chemical tests in the field.
The mushroom poison detection device is aimed to be portable for use in the field. It would act as a digital pipette used to identify and drop the correct reagent onto a mushroom.
Ideation and development included sketches, foam modelling, user testing and CAD modelling.
Scenario
The Shroom device will be used outdoors to perform live chemical field tests directly on the mushroom. The outcome will dictate whether the mushroom is edible or poisonous.
Accompanying App
The Shroom app will be used before testing to identify the mushroom family. This will determine the chemical reagant required for this mushroom.
The Shroom app can also allows users to share mushroom finds and local foraging spots with fellow users.
Shroom
The Shroom device will be used outdoors to perform live chemical field tests directly on the mushroom. The device will help dictate whether the mushroom is edible or poisonous.
The outer shell was created on Autodesk Speedform with surface modelling tools. The remaining parts were modelled on Solidworks. Rendered with Solidworks Visualize.
The internals include 3 tubes used to store individual chemicals. They exit through a pippete onto the mushroom. The chemicals can be replaced by unscrewing the top cap
The LED then flashes and a colour sensor is used to identify the resultant colour change
Toggle Switch
Left resting = off / Right resting = on
USB-C connection
Used to charge the device.
Number of lights show battery level (4 = full, 1 = low)
Number of lights show battery level (4 = full, 1 = low)
LEDs
Indicated battery level and will flash red/green depending on mushroom testing result
Button
Press once to perform chemical test when ready
Hold down to search for bluetooth connection to app
Hold down to search for bluetooth connection to app
Pipette Opening
Drops a specified amount of chemical reagant onto the mushroom
Colour sensor
Flashes white light at mushroom and detects chemical colour change after test.
