Autonomous plant cyborgs exploring artificial symbiosis and non-human love. Produced during my MFA studies at Goldsmiths in 2018.

Inspired by an alien species in a sci-fi novel by Vernor Vinge, the Skroderiders explore the implications of bestowing agency to non-human beings and the possibilities of cybernetically enhanced symbiosis. In addition to a biological codependence, the mutualistic relationship between the two individuals tells a non-human love story of robotic romance.

The two robots move on wheels, carrying living plants. They can detect their environment and avoid obstacles using ultrasonic sensors. The Skroderiders desperately try to find each other using infrared signals, because they are dependent on each others’ resources: one has a watering system, and the other has a LED grow light. When they finally meet, their conductive textile bumpers detect touching each other, and they are able to consummate their relationship.