Robotic Garden

While working at the MIT Biomimetics Robotics Laboratory, during the summer of 2014 I worked on a "Robotic Garden" project. This project set out to use pouch motors (heat pressed polyurethane pouches) to actuate origami models and create a networked origami garden. The project was funded by the NSF, and the entire project was completed by a team of 6 undergraduates.

Each origami flower was fitted with a pouch whose geometry caused the flower to move in particular way when inflated. Each flower required a different pouch design. Some were fitted with LEDs. The flowers were fitted to 'sockets' which attached to a baseplate; this allowed a certain modularity and the garden could be 'replanted' at will. Each planting location was a socket fitted with modular air and electrical connections to ensure that any arrangement would work.

I was in charge of the table and networking design and was part of the flower design team.