The concept was first scientifically published in 2010[1] (although models of comparable systems controlled by neural networks date back to 2003[2]) and has so far remained largely theoretical.
A prototype for the European Commission[3][4] is now in development by сonsortium of the following scientists: Dario Floreano, Barbara Mazzolai, Josep Samitier, Stefano Mancuso.
Exceptions occur in the novel Hearts, Hands and Voices (1992, US: The Broken Land) by Ian McDonald and the TV series Jikuu Senshi Spielban.
[10] The sensors are attached to the pseudo-roots of the plantoid, and assist in the movement based on feedback, acting like plant roots.
With the signal from the sensors of the plantoid, these structures can move towards or away from objects of interests, allowing flexibility of these roots in the soil.
In the 2015 GrowBot project led by Barbara Mazzolai at the Istitudo Italiano di Technologia, a form of transportation for plantoids is being developed that mimics the functions of tendrils (structures along a plant's stem that latches onto structures in the environment for support or movement), allowing plantoids to change their location as seen fit (for nutrients or for research purposes).
Some plantoid experiments have shown interest in exploring the quality of soil due to their ability to operate autonomously and use sensors underground.
The autonomous nature of the plantoid allows it to explore harsh environments (extremely cold or warm habitats) that researchers have trouble collecting data about.
[12] The GrowBot project (2015) is a prototype of a plantoid that has artificial tendrils, offering mobility by gripping external surfaces.
The GrowBot project displayed the ability of plantoids to position itself not only in terms of its roots, but the entire robot when stimuli is discovered.
[11] The Plantoid project (2016) emphasized flexibility of roots through the use of springs and sensors that gave feedback when interacting with nutrient gradients or obstacles.