Aeri is an indoor aeroponics device that empowers novice gardeners to make data-driven decisions and successfully grow farm-to-table ingredients, connecting individuals to their food sources.
COVID-19 highlighted the importance of food security and supply chain resilience. Singapore has limited local food production and imports 90% of its food. We observed panic buying as an example of negative behavioural change over food insecurity that can cause inflation and deny essential supplies to others. During quarantine, many friends picked up gardening, especially with the free distribution of seeds by the National Parks Board. We identified an opportunity in urban farming to prompt individuals to reflect on their relationship with food, and looked to repurposing everyday objects to craft an approachable and cost-effective solution.
No elaborated and costly pump and regulator set-up.
Aeri provides efficient use of space as the all-around facade provides maximum plant capacity on minimal countertop space. The origami fold-like outer casing makes up Aeri’s main silhouette; it can be pulled and expanded to its full size to accommodate up to 8 plants.
Aeri uses an off-the-shelf ultrasonic atomiser as its misting mechanism.
Data is collected via water, pH and electric conductivity sensors in its base. Aeri empowers users to make informed data-driven decisions via a mobile app, and guides users towards learning by carrying out specific instructions such as when to refill nutrient solution. The enclosed garden environment allows for efficient water consumption. The net pods and tower can be easily detached to allow for cleaning and repeated usage after each growing cycle. Over time, users can review data insights to effectively optimise garden conditions with reinforced understanding of how various environmental factors work.
Circuit Disrupt: Igloohome Design Challenge 2020
Winning Smart FoodTech Entry
Design by Koh Bei Ning & Kianne Lim
