Futures

Cyborg Botany: Merging Technology with Plant Sensing and Interaction, (from page 20231029.)

External link

Keywords

Themes

Other

Summary

This abstract discusses the concept of Cyborg Botany, which integrates technological functions with the natural abilities of plants. It highlights how plants can sense their environment and respond, proposing a novel interaction design that merges synthetic circuitry with plant physiology. The authors demonstrate applications such as using nanowires within plant xylem as sensors and antennas, allowing for individual control of plant movements through software. The aim is to utilize plants’ innate sensing and expressive capabilities for interactive devices, promoting sustainable and responsive lifeforms in technology.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Cyborg Botany Integration of synthetic circuitry with plants for enhanced interaction capabilities. Shifting from traditional electronic devices to biologically integrated systems for interaction. In 10 years, plants may serve as multifunctional interactive devices in various environments. The desire for sustainable, responsive technology that harmonizes with nature. 4
Biological Sensing Abilities Utilizing plants’ natural sensing and expressive capabilities for technology. Moving from purely digital interaction to incorporating biological responses. In a decade, technology may rely heavily on biological systems for real-time interaction. The quest for more organic and intuitive user interfaces that blend nature with technology. 5
Nanotechnology in Botany Application of nanowires in plant biology for enhanced electronic functionalities. Transitioning from bulk electronic devices to nanoscale integrated systems within living organisms. Nanotechnology could enable plants to perform complex tasks and serve as smart devices. Advancements in nanotechnology and materials science driving innovative applications in biology. 5
Ambient Computing with Plants Exploring the interaction between plants and ambient computing systems. From static interactions with devices to dynamic, ambient interactions with living systems. Future spaces may integrate plants as active participants in ambient computing environments. The growing trend towards ambient intelligence and the integration of nature in technology. 4
Tangible Interaction with Living Organisms Developing interfaces that allow users to interact tangibly with plants. Evolving from digital interfaces to physical interactions with biological entities. In 10 years, interacting with nature could become a standard for user experience design. A push towards more tactile and engaging user experiences that connect people to nature. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Ethical implications of Cyborg Botany Integrating technology with living plants may raise ethical questions regarding manipulation of biological entities. 4
Impact on natural ecosystems The introduction of synthetic elements into plants could disrupt existing natural ecosystems and biodiversity. 5
Dependence on technology for natural processes As plants become integrated with technology, humans may become overly reliant on these systems for basic ecological functions. 4
Potential health risks Synthetic materials within plants may pose unknown health risks to humans and animals consuming these engineered plants. 5
Loss of traditional plant knowledge Emphasizing technology in plant interaction might lead to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices related to plant care and use. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Cyborg Botany Integration of electronic functionalities with plant biology to create responsive lifeforms for interaction. 5
Plant Interaction Design Developing new communication channels and interaction mechanisms with plants, leveraging their natural abilities. 4
Ambient Computing with Plants Using plants as part of ambient computing systems for automation and interaction. 4
Tangible Interaction with Nature Combining tangible interaction techniques with plant-based interfaces for enhanced user experience. 3
Utilization of Plant Senses Exploiting the sensing capabilities of plants for various electronic applications. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Cyborg Botany Integration of electronic functionalities with biological functions of plants for enhanced interaction and sensing capabilities. 5
Electronic Plants Plants embedded with electronic components, acting as sensors, displays, and actuators for interaction purposes. 5
Nanowire Integration in Plants Using nanowires grown within plant structures to create touch and motion sensors. 4
In-Planta Cybernetic Systems Cybernetic systems that operate within living plants to facilitate interaction with users. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Cyborg Botany Integration of electronic functionalities with plant biology to create responsive lifeforms for interaction design. 5
Ambient Computing with Plants Utilizing plants as part of ambient computing systems, merging automation with natural organisms. 4
Sustainable Electronic Deployment Exploring sustainable methods for deploying electronic functionalities within plant systems. 4
Interactive Plant Displays Using plants as displays for information and interaction, enhancing user experiences. 3
Nanotechnology in Botany Application of nanowires and other nanotechnologies within plant structures for enhanced functionalities. 4
Metabolic Architecture Exploring the relationship between plant biology and computational systems in design and architecture. 3