Both SMARTePLANTS and SMARTePROBE are in prototype testing phase. A number of users are providing very helpful ongoing feedback – feedback being used to refine the final designs.
SMARTePLANTS, providing the soil moisture monitoring AND the automatic watering function, has more components (eg. lcd display, water pumps, input and output connectors) and a larger plastic vase-like which incorporates a 4-liter water reservoir. The plastic SMARTePLANTS body has a somewhat complex internal design allowing for the watertight separation of the reservoir from the electronic components. This complex internal design creates a big challenge for cost-efficient volume manufacture using plastic injection molding.
From a manufacturing point-of-view, SMARTePROBE offers the advantage of being physically much smaller than SMARTePLANTS, with a much simpler body shape. Considerable effort has been made over the last year and a half to optimize the design to reduce manufacturing costs. A custom printed circuit board (PCB) minimizes electronic part count and physical size. Having a smaller component count and a much simpler body design, and associated lower costs, SMARTePROBE is currently my main focus.
SMARTePROBE is now at the stage of more comprehensive market testing, while continuing to review low-cost manufacturing options. I am seeking additional founders and/or collaborators who share my excitement about the possibilities for SMARTePLANTS and SMARTePROBE to enable and enhance people’s enjoyment of plants, and who have a passion for plants. Experience in and a passion for digital marketing including crowdfunding, and low-cost volume manufacturing design, production, and assembly would contribute greatly to the Founders team.
Feel free to reach out to me with any comments, questions, suggestions, or recommendations. Thanks!