phiaq-LookingOutwards04

Synthetic Pollenizer – Michael Candy

This machine/robot was created by Michael Candy to artificially pollinate the bees and intervene in the natural ecology. The pollenizers are made of 3d printed parts, glass, hand machined aluminum and brass. The pollen is collected from hives using pollen traps, and the prototype uses an array of servos and actuators to distribute pollen and nectar to flower buds. Initial prototypes were made of paper. This project attracts me because of the dystopian feeling of having a device to intervene the bees that are becoming extinct. Also, the exactness and replication of natural flowers with precision and machinery is quite beautiful.