Gone To Pot
The planter’s inner electronics connect to a proprietary app that plant-owners can use to select the type of plant – cactus, ivy, violets or whatever – to be housed inside the pot. You can even customize the settings if your verdant virtual pet doesn’t quite fit the standard categories. Lüa then does “her” (we assume it’s a her but we could be wrong) thing, adding a surprising and yes, even endearing touch to the art of maintaining indoor houseplants. Don’t be too surprised, though, if your leafy charge becomes as much of a family member as your dog, cat or goldfish!.
Fangs But No Fangs
Of the 15 different screen-displayable emotions, six are concerned with the plant’s health. The screen’s intuitive graphics lean more towards emoji than reality but that’s no problem for those who grew up with a Tamagotchi or two. Not getting enough light? Lüa channels her inner vampire. Forgot to water (again)? A thirsty face will send you running for the watering pail. You’ll know your green thumb is working at optimum when Lüa sports a serene smile, as can be seen in this video from Igor Gabrielan, Founder of PRAI (Portal of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence).
Pet Peeved
Pets are playful and Lüa is no different. An onboard motion detection sensor stirs Lüa from her slumber when something moves nearby: watch her eyes follow a passing cat! We’re not even going to guess what that cat thinks about that. Kids will get a kick out of Lüa as well but it’s not all fun and games – this virtual plant pet gives great feedback for children on how to care for dependent life forms be they animal, vegetable or virtual.
Happy Beyond Be Leaf
Like many new inventions, Lüa’s initial development and market testing depended largely on online crowd-funding. It’s not within our purview to support such endeavors in-progress but now that Lüa has met – crushed, more like it – her designers’ goals, we’re more than happy to report on what could be the next big trend. The numbers tell the story: at the conclusion of the funding period, 860 backers pledged $123,149 which exceeded the fixed goal by a whopping 300%! Look for Lüa in stores and online by the end of the year.
Want to water plants with your own er, “water”? Check out Oui! France Whips Out Composting Public Urinals!

