Robotany is an interdisciplinary art/science project about hydroponics and robotics.
A joint team of artists Dr. Katy Connor and myself, along with Roboticists Dr. Hemma Philamore and Dr. Elliot Scott of University of Bristol and Bristol Robotics Lab. EXCITING!!
The aim of the project is to see how robotics can be used to help people grow Hydroponic food. Hydroponics is where the plants are grown in water and not soil. It is a growing area of research as a way of producing food sustainably in face of climate crisis.
The robots themselves will be powered on ‘Microbial Fuel Cells’. These are like little ‘batteries’ that create energy from microbes in the water. As the microbes digest, they release electrons which can be harvested to produce electricity. HOW AMAZING IS THAT! It is a very tiny amount and much research has been done into how to increase this.
Photo: Dr. Hemma Philamore
Project Funded by Brigstowe Institute
October 2021 to March 2022.
