Meet our InnoUvators

The Solar Powered Flower, "Hikaruka"

2020 INNO-vation Disruptive Challenger

Similar to how plants undergo synthesis, the solar-powered plant generates electricity in its leaves, stores it in the roots and it glows at night when it blooms. 

Attached to the leaves are solar panels which efficiently generate power through light. This works even indoors and can use both natural light through a window or even artificial light. 

An illuminance sensor is attached to a leaf, when the room darkens at night, the flower blooms and lights up. When morning comes and the sun shines in, the flower closes and the lights go out. In other words, it functions as a nightlight. 

At the same time, as a plant-shaped robot, it is being developed so that people can enjoy a new form of communication that has never existed before.

For example, like taking care of a real plant, humans can give the device a "shower of light" to give extra electricity. Even if there is little sunlight on rainy days, the flower can still be made to bloom. 

In the future, the goal is to make the device more compact and foldable to deliver a bouquet of light to those areas without electricity. 

Sonoe Hanazono

First Class Architect / Plant Robot Creator / Fashion Designer

1967 - Born in Hiroshima

1990 - Graduated from the School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, with a degree in Architecture

1992 - Graduated from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Department of Construction Engineering (Nobuo Hozumi Laboratory)

1992 - Studied Glasgow School of Art in Scotland as a Rotary Foundation Scholar 

1993 - Architect at Izue Architecture Office, under Kan Izue 

1997 - President of Hanazono Sekkei Office

1999 - Start of 'Architectural Live Activities'!

    Open call on the homepage for architects to participate in a construction effort, with over 800 people from across the country coming together to build architecture. 

2011 - Started producing the "Solar Plant", a solar-powered system that mimics plants

2016 - Formed "11 deg. design" (11土design) with designer Aiko Matsumura, designing a variety from local souvenirs to spaces. 

2019 - First runway appearance at Hiroko Koshino Fashion Show

2020 - Began clothing production and design of "the smallest space to wear"  

2021 - Production of the Solar Plant  "Hikaruka," as part of the INNO-vation Program

2022 - Release of "T-Peace," architect-created clothes: https://www.t-peace.net/en

More like this

See Our InnoUvators

Bringing the "Broom Guitar" to the World for Anyone to Play Like A Rock Star

Development of a Technology to Visualize All Kinds of Conversations by Focusing on Quantitative Information

Implementation of an Illusion Ball

Bone regeneration therapy while avoiding iPS cell tumorigenesis

Improving Accessibility of AI Technology Development for a Diversity-Inclusive Sustainable AI Society

Yorishiro: Creating a New Form of Expression by Breathing Life into Clothing

Stickers coated with 100% natural formulations that extend fruits shelf life by 3-4 times longer

"Syrinx", a Device to Recover a Lost Voice

The Voice Shower

See More

Videos

See Our InnoUvators in Action

The Broom Guitar - Be a Rockstar While you Clean

2023/03/22 19:30

The Egg that Analyzes Your Conversation Ability - Hylable

2023/01/18 19:30

Bad at Dancing? How Deepfakes & AI Can Help You Feel Like a Pro

2023/01/04 19:30

Mimebots: the Perfect Blend of Hardware and Dancing

2022/12/21 19:30

Three Creative Technologies that Redefine 'Innovation'

2022/10/12 19:30

Exciting Upcoming Tech in SDGs

2022/09/21 19:30

Helping the Visually Impaired Comprehend Data Easily - Accessibility in AI

2022/09/07 19:30

The Super Sense: Feel Things You Can't See

2022/08/24 19:30

INNO-vation Graduates Give a Message to Prospective Applicants

2022/08/10 19:30

Revolutionary Sticker Extends Fruit Shelf Life by Up to 14 Days | Stixfresh

2022/07/27 19:30

See More

View Full Website

View Full Website

Contact us!

Contact Us Form