Background:
Since the launch of “Gieß den Kiez” at the beginning of 2020, and especially with former State Secretary Dr. Frank Nägele’s vision of “making Berlin’s trees speak,” the desire for an interactive dialogue with urban nature has grown. In mid-2024, we finally developed a mobile chatbot, the Talking Treebot, which uses ChatGPT, an environmental sensor, and simple voice input and output to make any tree in Berlin “speak.”
The Treebot was inspired by projects such as “Plant Dialogues,” the “Talking Meadow Project,” and the nationwide ClimART funding initiative.
In collaboration with these initiatives, we defined the Treebot’s requirements, initiated a creative ideation process, and refined our concept.
All of these projects share a common goal: to use digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, web-based interfaces (APIs), and environmental sensors to give nature a voice.
Project Goal
The goal of the Treebot is to enable users to engage in a direct dialogue with their environment and gain an illustrative understanding of the importance and ecosystem functions of trees in urban settings. The tree also discusses its threats due to climate change and asks conversation partners for their personal opinions. In this way, the Treebot allows users to interact playfully with cutting-edge technology. The Treebot is a physical prototype that can also be used by people with minimal digital skills, such as children or older adults. It supports multiple languages, adapting to the needs of its conversation partners.
How does the Treebot work?
Equipped with a microcomputer, an environmental sensor, a USB speaker, and a wireless microphone, the compact box can be easily attached to any tree using Velcro, like a “trunk belt pouch.”
The sensor collects environmental data such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure at the tree’s location. These data are interpreted using AI, influencing the tree’s “mood” and the course of the conversation. In this way, the tree becomes a mobile voice for itself and its surroundings, raising awareness of nature.
Project Timeline
Summer 2024: First deployment in the Kiezlabor
November 9, 2024: Berlin Science Week, Berlin
November 12, 2024: Presentation at Screenless Cities Conference, UrbanAI, Paris
November 21, 2024: Presentation at Senseable LAB, MIT, Boston
Currently on display in the CityLAB exhibition. From 2025, it will be back in the Kiezlabor – and hopefully in many more locations!
What’s next?
We have collected valuable feedback from recent locations, which we are now sorting and integrating into the next iteration. Want to talk to the Treebot? Come visit our exhibition!
Team
Team Prototyping
