Plant-o-Bot Concept Inspires With Environmental Message, Cuteness

Sometimes, it's a little hard to listen to dry, good-for-you messages about environmentalism. But a robot? That's cute? Where I do start recycling?!

That seems to be the idea behind the concept 'Plant-O-Bot', a robot that gains energy from the plants that it stores in its own body.

The adorable little thing has an energy meter on the front that lets you know how the robot is doing: green and it and its plants are doing fine; red, and both the Plant-O-Bot and its green friends aren't doing so hot.

Designed by Bharoto Yekti, the concept aims to work as a kind of 'living' metaphor for our relationship to the Earth. On top of that, Yekti has a whole marketing and merchandise program planned, with mugs and pens to sell to fans.

In terms of a becoming real thing, there is of course that minor problem of how to actually harness energy from plants - you know, without burning them. Still, an admirable idea with just the right amount of cuteness.

[Source: Tuvie]