Robot Tree

Breeze is a tree with sensors that responds to the environment by waving its branches.
The project is a start of Robotany, the combination of nature and robotics. It is a collaborative of Jill Coffin, John Taylor, and Daniel Bauen.

"Breeze can visually sense and react through 360 degrees, allowing her to reach out to you and others whenever you are near. This is not a dancing bush, the motion is subtle and artistic, and at the same time, surreal."

The movement is created by Flexinol muscles. Flexinol is Nitinol wires that flex when current is passed through them.

I guess technically this is not a true robot tree but more a cyborg tree becuase the robotic controls and muscles are integrated into the living tree.

I really like the idea of robot plants though. With the aid of robot enhancements maybe plants could be taught to take care of themselves. Or possibly they could be augmented so that they can communicate with people. Maybe you could have a houseplant that keeps your appointment calender, checks your email, wakes you up in the morning. Talking trees. The shrubbery in front of your house also watches for intruders and phones the police if there is suspicious activity.
The possibilities are endless!


Robotany

via wmmna