A forward-thinking smart seaweed growing tank that explores how seaweed cultivation could be brought into the home as an alternative food source to ensure a sustainable future.
The Problem
The UN predicts that by 2050, there will be over nine billion people on earth.
As freshwater becomes increasingly hard to come by and viable farming land is in limited supply, some estimates indicate we only have sixty years of food production left in our soils if we continue with current agricultural practices.
There is a clear need to ensure that we feed the growing population in a sustainable way, while also ensuring food security for all. As we face this rising issue for the planet, alternative food sources are one way to address the challenge. These are non-traditional sources of nutrition, from insect protein to lab grown meats.
Seaweed is a nutrient-dense and promising alternative food source grown in ocean water.
More than just a superfood…
Seaweed is already being cultivated on a large scale for a variety of purposes. It has applications across industries, from energy to agriculture to pharmaceuticals. You can find it in toothpaste, cosmetics, beer, ice cream and paints. On an industrial level, it is used as a green fuel, in fertiliser and animal feed - all with little environmental repercussions.
How can seaweed cultivation be made accessible for home growers?
Environment
Seaweed cultivated in the ocean thrives because of the light, temperature, and salinity of their envionrment.
Methods
The most common farming method is attaching pieces of seaweed to rope lines or nets suspended in the sea near coasts.
Needs
The nitrogen and phosphorous levels of the ocean are necessary in promoting the growth of seaweed.
After defining the function of this seaweed tank, the next step was identifying what hardware and software would be needed to support these functions.
These included sensors for monitoring conditions, as well as parts that would help adapt the conditions of the water as needed.
Tech Analysis
Ideation
01 | Countertop Tank
02 | Standalone Tank
03 | Countertop Pool
User Validation
A survey was completed by 20 seaweed enthusiasts with an explanation of the three concepts and a series of questions about feature preferences.
An interview was conducted with a seaweed expert to further inform concept direction and technical feasibility.
Concept Refinement
A “looks-like” prototype was created to showcase final concept. Drying area, tray, and hooks were 3D printed while main body was fabricated from foam core. Tank featured twine ropes and dura-lar film to represent glass.
ONBOARDING | After unboxing, user taps the dashboard screen to begin the set up process.
PAIRING | User connects tank to companion app via Bluetooth to check system status while away.
SETTING UP | Following the on-screen instructions, user fills the tank with rocks, water, and salt before attaching spore ropes via hooks inside the tank.
GROWING | User goes through normal daily life as the tank autonomously adjusts system settings to maintain optimal seaweed growing conditions.
REFILLING NUTRIENTS | The tank alerts the user a nutrient refill is needed. User opens push-pop drawer and replaces with new pouch from storage on top of tank.
OPENING LID | Dashboard notifies user that seaweed is ready to harvest. User presses button in top corner of tank to open lid.
HARVESTING | User cuts off strands of seaweed from the spore ropes to harvest.
DRYING | User places strands on removable tray to dry out before using.
CONTINUE GROWING | User closes lid and system automatically continues monitoring conditions for optimal growth.
ENJOY | User enjoys the benefits of fresh seaweed at home.
