FarmBot celebration at the state horticultural show

The FarmBot is a freely available open source project, distributed by a Californian startup. The kit is based on a programmable RaspberryPi and a CNC component. The precision bedding robot takes over the sowing, watering and weeding according to previous programming. This creates a fully automated loft bed in which vegetables and herbs can grow under the supervision and care of the robot or its sensors. The whole thing can be operated easily via the app.

First and foremost, the FarmBot served as a work project to stimulate the exchange between all those involved. From programmers to hobby gardeners to hobbyists and tinkerers, up to 26 participants have come together at times to work together on the project. The different skills and experiences were necessary in order to be able to present the FarmBot in its current form at the state horticultural show. No previous experience was necessary. A total of 1027 working hours and 195 pizzas went into the project.

Since February 2019, the volunteers have installed and optimized the bot in many weekly meetings. The FarmBot has been on the grounds of the Ingolstadt State Horticultural Show since April this year. Before the state horticultural show closes its doors in October, we used the opportunity to celebrate in honor of the FarmBot with all those involved and their relatives and simply to say THANK YOU. The Hotel Domizil provided us with the best food and delicious cocktails with their local food truck. Many thanks also to the second mayor of Ingolstadt, Dr. Deneke-Stoll for the nice words on the occasion of the FarmBot celebration.

The community project has shown once again that the brigk Makerspace is not just about every maker tinkering with his own project. Rather, the motto “Each one, teach one” is in the foreground.