DAMA
A smart planter that uses an Arduino and various sensors
to improve the relationship between plants and their caretakers.
Project: Physical Computing
Duration: 4 Weeks
Team: Group of 2
THE PROJECT
Physical computing. To make an ordinary object such as a table, lamp, or chair do some sort of computing task through Arduino.
THE PURPOSE
Create a flower pot that uses coding and integrated technology to improve plant care. LED string lights project colors and patterns that are read by the caretaker. By letting the caretaker know when water is running low and providing balanced lighting, the planter can be beneficial to both caretaker and plant.
THE FORM
Material
Made from Elm and acquired from Second Use, a local salvage shop. Cut and glued to make a cube.
Shape
The form of a sphere with a flat bottom was chosen for its simplicity and ability to blend in in any home.
Development
To turn it from a cube to a sphere, the wood needed to be turned on a lathe. Both exterior and interior were done as such and the wood was further sanded, cut to insert the acrylic ring, and finished.
THE THREE SENSORS
Temperature and Humidity sensor
When it is a rainy, cold day, the lights will balance it out with warm colors. If it’s a hot sunny day, it will project cool colors.
Moisture sensor
If low moisture, the lights will be dim and show to the caretaker that the plant needs to be watered. An atmospheric sensor determines the light color.
Capacitive sensor
Detects the caretaker. As they come close to the pot, the lights begin to “dance” and show the caretaker that they are seen by the plant.
