Imagined world with design inspired by and modeled after nature

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Artist Statement

When tackling the theme of biophilic design, I found myself drawn to the idea of sustainability and how machines modeled after nature may be more sustainable. I began thinking of common sources of energy that humans consume compared to those of the natural world. Humans use energy sources such as electricity in quantities incomparable to nature. However, there are energy sources that people have yet to figure out how to harness that select species in nature have been relying upon for thousands of years.

There is plentiful energy overflowing in extreme environments that are difficult for people to harness. However, several species of shrimp have symbiotic relationships that help them survive near nutrient-rich and energy-rich hydrothermal vents deep under the sea. Near these vents, the heat releases large amounts of chemicals. The shrimp have a specialized system to convert the heat-induced chemicals into energy and also feast upon microorganisms in the water.

This piece was inspired by these shrimp and their extreme environment. Sometime in the future, people modeled their own robotic shrimp that perform a similar process to harness the energy in an extremely hot underwater environment. They are designed to maximize energy collection and storage for people to use. These shrimp are placed in hot springs and near geysers, a more accessible location with similar properties to deep sea hydrothermal vents. An added benefit other than accessibility is the closer proximity to the sun. The plates that mimic shells of shrimp are miniature solar panels to take advantage of the solar power. Their antanae sense chemicals in the water and are heat sensitive. The shrimp also have a unique soft body that interacts with the water to convert the dissolved chemicals into stored electricity. At the center of their bodies are a core that controls the shrimp and stores energy.

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