This "E-seed" carrier can be dropped from drones and drill seeds into the soil to help with reforestation. It was created by the Morphing Matter Lab at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pennsylvania. Look through the gallery to see more.
Morphing Matter Lab
The seed carrier is made from a material that "self-drills" in response to rain, as shown in this composite photo. The researchers took inspiration from erodium seeds, which naturally have a coil-like "drill" that changes shape when wet, and use a "tail" to prop themselves up and push more effectively into the ground.
Morphing Matter Lab
They can be transported by drone, allowing even remote areas to be reforested.
Morphing Matter Lab
Seed carriers can be carried in compartments, allowing a single drone to drop multiple seeds.
Morphing Matter Lab
After the carrier burrows, the seed is protected from animals and the elements, improving its chances of germination. This composite image shows a seed germinating.
Morphing Matter Lab
Morphing Matter has tested the seed carriers at sites in Pittsburgh and Changxing, China, and lab director Lining Yao says they have had interest from people around the world wanting to use the seed carriers in reforestation projects.
