We’re not only researchers, we’re designers, and we like to make things. This page is devoted to many of those things, which we call our objects.

Prototypes

Many of our workshops – including our first growBot Symposium and Cucumberbot – center around the production of prototypes which embody emergent ideas about how robotics and sensing could aid small-scale, organic agriculture. Ideas have included a mowing robot:

a robot that identifies bugs:

and many more.

We’re not only researchers, we’re designers, and we like to make things. This page is devoted to many of those things, which we call our objects.

Prototypes

Many of our workshops – including our first growBot Symposium and Cucumberbot – center around the production of prototypes which embody emergent ideas about how robotics and sensing could aid small-scale, organic agriculture. Ideas have included a mowing robot:

a robot that identifies bugs:

Teaching Tools

A large part of our mission is to facilitate a discussion between technologists and growers so that each can learn from one another. In order for this conversation to happen, it’s important for our participants to feel like they have enough of an understanding of robotics basics that they can thoroughly imagine solutions for their small farm. Simple DIY teaching tools allow illustration of and interaction with these concepts. The sensor station below, for example, indicates how sensors can read moisture, light, and proximity, all of which have relevance to small-scale, organic farmers and their day-to-day needs.

Materials

The need for small-scale, organic agriculture is itself embedded in a need for widespread sustainability, which includes (among many things) diverting items from landfills. We source as many of our materials as possible from donations, thrift stores, and trash cans – including jars, cans, metal hangers, dead circuit boards, and unwanted toys – to give them new life. Of course, some things we must buy new – markers and glue, for example – but we keep those purchases to a minimum.

Food

What’s the best part of working with organic farmers? Delicious organic food! Our team is lucky to have an underground chef on board, and she has been kind enough to share her talents at our events. It brings the cycle of food production full circle, right back to the individuals who harvested it in the first place.