The internet and digital technology have revolutionized countless facets of life, from banking and health care to transportation and education. And now students in a Sophomore Scholars in Residence class called Digital Revolutions are experiencing cutting-edge technology in some surprisingly hands-on ways.

Michael Marsh-Soloway, director of the University’s Global Studio, is helping students explore the history of the internet and how digital resources have irrevocably changed every industry. In January, students in his class drew inspiration from a trip to Silicon Valley that included stops at Tesla labs, Stanford University, the AirBnb headquarters, and an NFT digital artwork gallery.

“The class has opened my eyes to how necessary technology is in our world,” said Yulia Shatalov, who is studying leadership studies and biology. “We now take for granted our ability to harness heat and cold, communicate, or handle disabilities, but that all comes from different technologies.”

Marsh-Soloway also wanted the 12 sophomore students to experience a real-life application of technology. He challenged them to build and program a FarmBot Genesis, a raised garden bed powered by a web app that uses data about soil, weather, water, and more to optimize plant growth.

“The Internet of Things opens up a whole new world for how we live our lives,” Marsh-Soloway said. “Everything can be automated. If you have a consistent internet connection, you can garden with FarmBot from Morocco or check up on your plants from anywhere.”  

The class constructed the FarmBot over two class sessions in October. In March, students prepared the FarmBot for planting and harvest by mapping the garden and loading seeds for leafy greens, tomatoes, and herbs. They also tapped into a weather station in the Eco-Corridor, run by Stephanie Spera, assistant professor of geography and the environment, that would allow the FarmBot to predict and respond to atmospheric conditions.

“The FarmBot weeds, it seeds, it waters — it will do everything short of harvesting,” Marsh-Soloway said. “If it knows a cold snap is coming, it may withhold water or weed more aggressively.”

While the hands-on experience with mechanical engineering, coding, and construction is crucial, Marsh-Soloway also wants students to look beyond the development process and see how technology can be a force for good in their community. He has engaged several partners, such as local artist and activist An Liu and the University’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, to explore how FarmBot could be used by community gardens and Richmond food banks.

“Not only can we do something creatively and beautifully,” he said, “but there might be a way to provide useful goods. There are future projects down the line that I think will enhance what FarmBot is offering.”