In collaboration with scientists from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, we developed a prototype for an autonomous photosynthetic bio-machine that harvests energy from photosynthetic organisms, applying the energy in order to collect photosynthetic organisms again. This aquatic bio-solar machine creates a symbiotic system with its environment, and detects, collects, carries and processes these organisms autonomously, using a floating mobile robotic structure to amplify the energy it has obtained from them. The microorganisms that are a potential food source for the *Symbiotic Machine*can be found in ponds, canals, rivers and the sea. As in the case with harmful algae blooms, it can clean its own environment. This prototype is a crossover between the disciplines of art, design, robotics, mechanics and biotechnology and development of a new entity.
The machine is designed to communicate with the environment and to unify form and function. For this first model the machine is planned to generate electricity by processing the algae from specimen spirogyra. As this specimen is a floating filamentous organism, the robot has to float in the water together with the algae.
The structure is composed of a revolving ellipsoid with three conical arms with tentacles equipped with sensors attached to them. The structure is transparent, in order to catch sunlight at any angle. The choice of a revolving ellipsoid was to create more surface area for the electrodes (photocells) and to capture more of the sun’s rays when the light reflects in the golden electrodes—thus using more sunlight. The tentacles make the robot extend its senses to search for algae. The arms create closed chambers for the electronics.
The machine has a complete digestive system, which operates like a jellyfish: mouth/anus and stomach.


Links: http://ivanhenriques.com/2014/03/02/symbiotic-machine/

The *Symbiotic Machine* was developed in collaboration with Raoul Frese and Vincent Friebe, scientists of VU Amsterdam Laser Lab, physicist Michiel van Overbeek and engineer Leydervan Xavier from Cefet/RJ (Technological School from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Thanks to: 3D LAB - Koninklijke Academie voor Beeldende Kunsten Den Haag, Botanische Tuin TUDelft, Haagse Hoogeschool Den Haag, Hortus Leiden, Hortus Amsterdam. This project was only possible with support from Stichting DOEN.

Ivan Henriques (BR/NL), born in Brazil, lives and works between The Hague and Rio de Janeiro. He is a transdisciplinary artist and researcher working in multimedia installations examining different perceptions of time, memory and environment. In his work he explores hybrids of nature and (technological) culture, creating new forms of communication between humans and other living organisms. He researches various aspects of real-time environment data visualization, where it becomes a motive and motor for the platform that he creates within his works. In an in-depth look at this information he gains from the environment and other living organisms, Ivan creates interactive and participatory art installations. His visionary combination of robotics and living organisms explores the fluidity of subject positions in the post-digital world. Audience involvement is the core of his creation, approaching all living species with a unique experience envisioning a possible new world where we all are hypersensitive to our surroundings. Henriques has an MA from the ArtScience Interfaculty at the Royal Academy of Arts and the Royal Conservatory of Music, The Hague /NL (2009-2011), represented by Verbeke Gallery and is also member of Transnatural Arts, Research & {future} Design. Some of his pieces are held by recognized private art collections.
[http://ivanhenriques.com/](http://ivanhenriques.com/ "")