Robot Bonsai Tree

Another cool looking robot demonstration project from Japan:  BonsAI.

Part of the TDK company’s “Attracting Tomorrow” PR campaign, this is an autonomously mobile bonsai.

There have been sensor equipped plants before, and mobile plants, too.  But Bonsai is way, way cooler because it is is esthetically and psychologically much more attuned to human interaction than most plants.

In addition to the standard “seeking sunlight” and “monitoring water” features, the BonsAI seems to “walk beside you” and it is implied that the tree can offer sage advice.  As the website says, “BonsAI is a bit smarter than a man, because it lives longer than a human being.” (Via Google Translate).

It’s not really clear whether this wisdom is metaphorical (as bonsai in general can be said to do), or whether the computer augmentation is actually capable of whispering inscrutable treely wisdom to its human companion. It would certainly be technically possible, though I wonder how psychologically effective it would be.  (Whatever actual voice deployed, it couldn’t possibly sound like a tree to me.)

Overall, this project t gives me mixed feelings.

On the one hand, the bonsai is certainly attractive and sensuous in ways that many robot toys and pets are not.  And, as I’ve said, it is more attractive than most augmented plants. I’d rather cohabit with a robot bonsai than most other personal robots.

But on the other hand, mobility and digital augmentation do little to improve bonsai, which is already a cool augmentation to human life.  Indeed, the digital features may well detract from the value of the bonsai.

For example, part of the pleasure of a bonsai is carefully tending it, which include carefully attending to it. Having sensors that automatically report what the tree needs, or even that autonomously seeks needed sunlight eliminates the need for human attention and effort.  This defeats an important and deep part of the relationship between human and living tree.

I would also note that, on the day that the BonsAI starts emitting advertising, reminders of appointments, or movie recommendations, is the day I say “turn it off”, and chuck it out the window. Ick.

 

Robot Wednesday