WTF Fun Fact 13360 – Plant Machete Robot

“Plant machete robot” are three words we never thought would go together – and yet here we are.

That’s because David Bowen, a renowned kinetic artist, is pushing the boundaries of the relationship between technology and art. His latest exhibition, “Underwater,” showcases his unique ability to fuse nature with machines. The result is a portrayal of sea life that is truly mesmerizing – and a bit dangerous.

A machete-wielding plant robot

The centerpiece of “Underwater” is a robotic machete, programmed to mimic the movements of a water plant. The inspiration for this groundbreaking installation came from a plant Bowen discovered while scuba diving. He was captivated by how the underwater vegetation moved in response to the ocean current. To bring this observation to life, he created an intricate mechanical system that could reproduce these movements.

To achieve this, Bowen installed a live stream camera in Lake Superior. The camera captures real-time movements of underwater plants and transmits them to the machete in the exhibition space. This data drives the machete’s movements, making it sway and dance just like a plant under the sea.

The result is a mesmerizing display that bridges the gap between the natural and digital worlds. The machete sways in response to the unseen currents of Lake Superior, drawing visitors into a captivating contemplation of our relationship with nature and technology as they watch.

Art meets tech

“Underwater” prompts viewers to question the boundaries between the organic and the mechanical. Bowen’s robotic machete, while purely mechanical, seems to breathe with life as it mimics the delicate dance of underwater plants. It’s a testament to Bowen’s genius that he can draw such lifelike behavior from an inanimate object.

Bowen’s work sparks conversations about the interplay between nature and technology. It reminds us that although we might view these worlds as separate, they can be beautifully intertwined. His robotic machete brings the unseen world of underwater plants to the surface, providing a unique perspective on the intricate dances of nature.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Watch a Living Plant Wield a Machete With a Robot Arm” — My Modern Met

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