TDK BonsAI that give advice

TDK is currently having project "Attracting Tomorrow" project and one of it was to integrate nature with technology. Instead of a living pet like Dogs or Cats, there is an alternative for those who are green fingers (plant lover).


TDK is working on the concept of a living plant with art and technology and named it as BonsAI.

Here are what BonsAI functionality

Hold conversations
You can consult BonsAI about your problems, it can give tips from the extensive knowledge derived from various times and places.

Basking in the sun
BonsAI during the day time will move itself to search of sunlight. When it reaches a sunlit area, it expresses the comfort of sunbathing by lighting up LEDs.

Asking for water
When the soil is dry, BonsAI approaches water and will request people to water it.

Here are various sensors on BonsAI
  • Soil sensor: A sensor that measures the aridity of dirt.
  • Camera: A miniature camera installed on the front as a small “eye” for movement control.
  • LED: An LED panel that expresses the feelings of the BonsAI.
  • Speaker: A miniature speaker for conversations between the BonsAI and people.
  • 9–axis sensor: One of TDK’s central technologies, a 9–axis sensor, used to achieve stable walking control.
  • Film solar cell: A shapeable TDK film solar cell used as a power supply and illuminance sensor.
  • Wireless electricity supply: A wireless electricity supply device made by TDK which makes things free from cables for charging.
  • Base: Tiny condensers and inductors that are loaded on each piece inside the BonsAI, including the micro computer that controls driving and conversation. Because it contains condensed TDK–made electric components, these cute–looking bonsai weighs over 20kg.
And here is the video of BansAI in action.


Such technology would more serving on human psychology to ease their stress or loneliness. Of course the data would be from internet source depending on what and how the BansAI search for quotes.

No news of the actual release as of now but certainly something useful in time to come.

What do you think of this concept?


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