I have been captivated with the idea of nurturing a bonsai tree and got my first bonsai tree in 2015. My excitment quickly turned to disappointment as the tree did not make it through the winter. Undeterred, I got a second bonsai in 2017. Despite my efforts, it too did not make it. Some weeks the tree too much water, while in others it was left a little parched. Inconsistent care led to its untimely demise. With renewed hope, I got a third one in 2022. I was determined to keep this one alive. Despite my best efforts, it too did not make it. Whether it was too much water, too little water, or not enough sunlight, the exact cause of death remains a mystery.
Realizing I have a recurring problem, I had an epiphany: why not build a robot to handle the bonsai trees care? This way, the bonsai could thrive without the risk of being overwatered or neglected. Determined to succeed, I embarked on a new adventure of creating a plant-watering system. I decided to control all the variables that could affect the bonsai's health: the amount of water, the frequency of watering, the sunlight, and the room temperature. By meticulously monitoring these factors, I could ensure the plant received the care it needed.
This project was my first foray into working with an Arduino, and it turned out to be an exhilarating experience. I learned to use the Arduino IDE, write code for it, and connect various components to the Arduino. I purchased a soil moisture sensor, a temperature sensor, and a light sensor, and dived deep into how each could be integrated with the Arduino.
As I saw my bonsai thriving under the robotic care, I couldn't help but dream bigger. Perhaps in the future, I might even create a pruning robot, taking one step closer to mastering the art of bonsai care. With my new skills and determination, the possibilities seemed endless and I am excited to see where this goes.