PlantiBot: Towards the Design of a Robotic Plant for Mental Health Care

This study investigates the potential of robotic horticultural therapy as an innovative alternative for plant care and stress management in university students through the design and implementation of a robotic plant. By utilizing robotic technology, this approach allows users to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of plant care, learn about native Peruvian plants in small spaces like apartments, and provides an accessible solution for those lacking gardening experience. With this purpose in mind, an interactive robotic objects system based on an IoRT system is proposed, simulating the behavior of plants with their environment, among themselves, and with the user. The interaction methodology employs biomimicry of plant behavior so that the user can care for it and engage in tangible and interactive robotic horticultural therapy.