(this article is first published in the fruit shell network)

plants always pursue the light. They sense the light of the outside world and work hard to grow in the direction of light. This is a rather slow process. After all, plants do not have legs and cannot walk into the sun by themselves.

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however, this plant called Elowan doesn't have this worry-it may be the first flower to own a private car. This car will chase the light with it. Turn on the lamp on the table, and the flower pot with the car will automatically approach the brighter side. Relaxed and happy, complete in one step.

(original video from: Harpreet Sareen)

Speed up the viewing. It's a little magical.

(original video from: Harpreet Sareen)

there is no photosensitive device on this car, so it all depends on the plant's instructions to go that way. Although plants do not have a nervous system like animals, they also produce corresponding bioelectrical signals when they perceive changes such as light and gravity. These electrical signals generated by perceived light are sensed by the machine below the electrode, which in turn controls the movement of the car. So, this can probably be regarded as a plant driving its own car to find the light.

this "plant bike" comes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab (MIT media lab), which has long been known for innovative designs that are inspired by all kinds of ideas. Let's review their other mental works

these small square arrays, called "Kinetic Blocks", move and arrange objects in an orderly manner under program control, and can imitate a variety of different tactile senses.

it should be interesting to feel:

Furry 3D printing

it should be interesting to feel:

Furry 3D printing

this technique can print a cluster of brush-like structures on a plane or surface, and the thickness, density, length and direction of the bristles can be adjusted, which is more convenient and faster than traditional modeling methods.

remote control water droplets

using the electrowetting phenomenon (Electrowetting) and the electrodes below which can be controlled separately, the researchers can remotely control the small water droplets to follow the prescribed path on the plane.

wriggling droplets look super cute:

so what's the use of these enigmatic gadgets? Although the researchers also have some ideas for application, it seems that it will not be realized soon. It is probably the value of the existence of this laboratory to constantly try various new possibilities and enlighten you.

Resources:

https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/elowan-a-plant-robot-hybrid/overview/

https://www.popsci.com/programmable-water

http://news.mit.edu/2016/3-d-print-hair-0617

https://www.wired.com/2016/05/mits-new-shapeshifting-interface-can-mimic-behavior-water/