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HYDROPONICS
A method of growing plants
without soil
How does it work?
In hydroponics systems, the roots of germinated plants are submerged in nutrient-rich water. This provides the plants with water, oxygen, and essential elements needed for them to grow.
Why hydroponics?
In comparison to traditional growth methods that require soil, hydroponics offer a number of advantages. This includes using less water, requiring less space to grow plants, and having faster growth rates.
Our Design
Robust Mechanical Structure
Planter features a strong and durable structure that's easy to assemble in minutes. We don’t think you should ever need to worry about your plants growing too big! The system is designed to support up to a total of 90 heads of lettuce (or other small plant) or 6 full-sized tomato plants (or other large plant).
Mobile App & Key Metrics Collection
The accompanying mobile application provides users with a easy to use portal to control and monitor their Planter hydroponics system. Data from state-of-the-art sensors as well as a live camera feed allows used to track the health of their plants from anywhere in the world. The clean and intuitive design allows anyone to be a master grower!
Automated & Remote Control
With important parameters such as lighting, pH, and EC, taking care of plants is hard! Planter takes away all this hassle, with automated lighting, nutrient and pH dosing. The system monitors sensor readings around the clock, making all the right adjustments to keep your plants happy. Well versed users can take control at any moment, adjusting target pH or EC, and manually controlling the lights onboard the Planter system.
Interested in Learning More?
Meet the Team
Electrical Engineer
Abhinav Agrahari
Hi, I’m Abhinav! I am in my fourth year of Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. I’ve worked in Software, ML, and Autonomy Engineering roles and love working with robots. I have also been at the forefront of Autonomous Vehicles through UW’s WATonomous student design team. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with family and doing DIY repairs!
Mechanical Engineer
Kyle Tam
Hi, my name is Kyle! I am in my fourth year of mechatronics engineering at the University of Waterloo. I’ve worked in mechanical design and research and am part of the Waterloo Rocketry design team 🚀. In my spare time, I’m also into photography and amateur astrophotography.
Software Engineer and Project Manager
Mahad Zaryab
Hi everyone! My name is Mahad and I’m a fourth year Mechatronics Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. During my time at Waterloo, I discovered my passion for building software systems and am looking to pursue a career as a Software Engineer after I graduate. Outside of school and work, I’m a huge Formula 1 and Toronto Raptors fan!
Embedded Software Engineer
Dhruv Manani
Hi, I’m Dhruv, a fourth year Mechatronics Engineering student at the University of Waterloo. Through my internships and extracurriculars, I’ve developed an interest in Embedded Systems, Robotics, Software and Automation particularly in the field of Autonomous Vehicles. In my spare time, I enjoy playing squash, travelling, cooking, and watching the NBA.
Mechanical Engineer
Zhenbo Bian
Hi, I’m Zhen Bo! I am in my fourth year of mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo. I’ve worked in product design and am part of the Waterloo Rocketry design team 🚀. Outside of school and rockets, I give baking a shot 🍰.
OUR SPONSORS
