Food Computer
The Food Computer is a controlled environment agriculture technology platform that uses robotic systems to control and monitor climate, energy, and plant growth inside of a specialized growing chamber. Climate variables such as carbon dioxide, air temperature, humidity, dissolved oxygen, potential hydrogen, electrical conductivity, and root-zone temperature are among the many conditions that can be controlled and monitored within the growing chamber. Operational energy, water, and mineral consumption are monitored (and adjusted) through electrical meters, flow sensors, and controllable chemical dosers throughout the growth period.
Each specific set of conditions can be thought of as a climate recipe, and each recipe produces unique results in the phenotypes of the plants. Plants grown under different conditions may vary in color, size, texture growth rate, yield, flavor, and nutrient density. Food Computers can even program biotic and abiotic stresses, such as an induced drought, to create desired plant-based expressions.
Food Computer - Media
CNC Food Computer Chassis For FABlabs and Kit Construction
Pleased with our first prototype, we decided that we wanted the experience of building a food computer to be easier and take less time, so that the user could be up and running faster. Below are pictures of the preliminary prototype "flat packable" chassis which could be machined and sent as panels to be screwed together.
CNC Food Computer Chassis For FABlabs and Kit Construction - Media
GroBot System (Early Prototype):
The GroBot, which was our first attempt at a controllable environment system, was powered by an Arduino. The Arduino could turn on/off relays to switch on lights, heaters, pumps, and fans. A layer of reflective thermal wrap (Reflectix) helps to keep the heat in the bot. A bin at the bottom held the plants and an air stone aerates the water. A webcam monitored the plants and a temperature probe connected to the Arduino helped to maintain constant temperatures through feedback control. This design was used as the basis for the suite of systems and control seen in the above food computer.
GroBot - Media
