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Ivan Henriques, 2016

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The development of this prototype is part of the evolution of bio-machines previously built by artist Ivan Henriques, which are hybrid forms between living organisms and machines creating an evolutionary vector between machines and nature. In collaboration with the scientists of CMET, Faculty of Bio-Engineering at the University of Ghent, Henriques developed a floating mobile robotic structure which harvests and stores its energy from Microbial Fuel Cells. Microbial Fuel Cells, or MFC’s, are devices that use bacteria in waste water as the catalyst to oxidise organic matter and generate electricity. The energy harvested from the MFC’s is applied to move the robotic structure and at the same time to clean the polluted environment with the help of water-purifying plants integrated in the structure. This project reflects on the relationship between the environment and sustainability, and the increasing pollution of rivers, bays and ponds around the globe.

Watch interview with Ivan Henriques

Developed in collaboration with UGhent-CMET (Prof. Dr. Ir. Korneel Rabaey, Way Cern Khor, Xu Zhang, Dr. Ramon Ganigué & Dr. Jan B. A. Arends), Prof. Leydervan Xavier, Andjela Tomic and the Mechanical Lab from the Technological University of Rio de Janeiro

Produced by GLUON
With the support of Mondriaan Fonds, Stimulerings Fonds and Budafabriek