PLANTBOT: Sun Seeking Robot Planter

This robotic planter concept from the Play Coalition empowers plants to catch some rays, where ever they may be. They call it “Solar seeking botanical augmentation,” but essentially it is a Phototrope robot that seeks out optimal sunlight and moves it’s plant host where it needs to go to get that sun.
There’s not a whole lot of info on this and I suspect that this is a design concept and not a working prototype… cool none the less (well actually it is less cool than a working prototype, but still worth a mention).


Any Suggestions?





14 Comments, Comment or Ping
Dan
I dunno, it looks like there is a battery pack or something in that second to last pic.
Either way, pretty cool idea. Would be fun to watch.
Oct 18th, 2008
Peter
I saw the very same concept in an American Airlines brochure in 1979. Theirs had a photovoltaic cell that rotated the plant whenever there was sun so that the plant didn’t grow sideways. It meant that the plant grew straight up.
Oct 18th, 2008
tommy
Maybe next it will walk to the sing and water itself?
Thanks for posting.
Oct 18th, 2008
Erik
Dan, you’re retarded. The robot isn’t drawing power from the plant LOL. It’s just a machine that moves the plant to where there is sunlight.
Oct 18th, 2008
Han Solo
Wow Eric. Way to embarras yourself..
Oct 18th, 2008
EarAche
Cute cat.
Oct 18th, 2008
Joey
I think the plant bot is a good idea, In fact, it’s awesome.
I enjoyed watching the cat behave in the same environment.
NICE, Nice;… Flowermont
Oct 18th, 2008
Chris
How is this \Green\? It would probably take a ton or two of carbon emissions to produce. Add on a rechargeable battery pack and circuit boards loaded w/ toxic metals. Probably carved from old growth hardwoods by child labor. All of this so it can consume electricity to move a houseplant around. So what!!! Is it is cool? yes. Stylish? yes. A complete waste of time/energy/money/resources?? Absolutely!!! People, get off your lazy asses and take care of your plants.
Oct 19th, 2008
Chris
How is this “Green”? It would probably take a ton or two of carbon emissions to produce. Add on a rechargeable battery pack and circuit boards loaded w/ toxic metals. Probably carved from old growth hardwoods by child labor. All of this so it can consume electricity to move a houseplant around. So what!!! Is it is cool? yes. Stylish? yes. A complete waste of time/energy/money/resources?? Absolutely!!! People, get off your lazy asses and take care of your plants.
Oct 19th, 2008
msrr
what plant is that?
Oct 19th, 2008
simon
Wow Its a Skrode Rider!
Oct 20th, 2008
dude
It’s a sago palm IIRC. I killed mine recently. Sigh. Would love a robot to take the plant to the sink, and water it as necessary, then spend the day walking around the house catching rays. My dog would be freaked out.
Oct 24th, 2008
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