Metropolitan City of Genoa, Italy - May 13, 2024

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Researchers at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) in collaboration with the University of Freiburg have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the realm of reforestation: the HybriBot, a biohybrid robot designed to facilitate the planting of seeds in diverse environments.

The HybriBot, weighing a mere 60 mg, is the result of meticulous collaboration and cutting-edge technology. Crafted from a flour-based capsule produced through 3D microfabrication techniques, and featuring two natural appendages derived from oat fruit, this ingenious device exhibits remarkable capabilities. These oat appendages respond dynamically to changes in air humidity, enabling movement that mimics natural seed dispersion mechanisms.

Named HybriBot, this innovative creation serves as a biodegradable carrier for a variety of plant seeds, offering a sustainable solution to reforestation efforts. Initial tests have yielded promising results, with successful germination observed in seeds from tomato, chicory, and willow herb plants – the latter being particularly beneficial for supporting bee populations.

The research, led by Barbara Mazzolai, Associate Director for Robotics at IIT, and conducted within the framework of the European project i-Seed, marks a significant milestone in the field of bioinspired robotics. Isabella Fiorello, the lead author of the study, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of the project, which bridges robotics and materials science to address pressing environmental challenges.

HybriBot's operation is elegantly simple yet highly effective. The oat appendages react autonomously to moisture, initiating movements that propel the capsule forward. As the device navigates its environment, it disperses seeds and fertilizing substances, facilitating natural growth processes. Remarkably, HybriBot's movement is entirely self-sustained, requiring no external power sources.

This eco-friendly approach extends to the materials used in HybriBot's construction. The artificial capsule, carefully designed to mimic natural seed dispersal mechanisms, is crafted from biodegradable flour-based materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, the device poses no harm to wildlife, making it a safe and sustainable solution for reforestation initiatives.

The successful deployment of HybriBot in diverse soil types, including potting soil, clay, and sand, underscores its versatility and efficacy in various environments. With its potential to revolutionize reforestation efforts, HybriBot represents a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity.