Spelman Students Invent AI Device to Let Plants Talk

PlantGPT translates plant health data into conversational speech to help owners care for their houseplants.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A group of students at Spelman College in Atlanta have developed an AI-powered device called PlantGPT that can monitor plant health data and translate it into conversational speech, allowing plants to 'talk' to their owners and communicate their needs. The device uses sensors and an AI model to gather plant data and generate care recommendations through text-to-speech technology.

Why it matters

The PlantGPT device aims to make it easier for plant owners, especially those new to houseplant care, to understand and respond to the needs of their plants. By giving plants a 'voice,' the technology could help reduce plant neglect and mortality rates while also expanding the accessibility of plant care to a wider audience.

The details

The PlantGPT device uses an Arduino circuit board to gather plant data, which is then analyzed by an AI model based on ChatGPT. The AI then generates care recommendations that are translated into conversational speech through a text-to-speech system, allowing the plant to 'communicate' its needs to the owner. The students behind PlantGPT hope to eventually expand the technology to support small farms and urban gardens, improving food security in local communities.

  • The PlantGPT project was started by Spelman College students three years ago, in 2023.
  • The students' team took first place in the 2025 AAAS Making & Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C.

The players

Grace Burch

A 2025 Spelman College graduate who initiated the PlantGPT project three years ago, combining her interests in nature and technology.

Joy Rutledge

A Spelman College student who, along with teammate Temple Dees, explained the practical uses of the PlantGPT device in an Instagram video.

Phillip Thompson

The advisor for the PlantGPT student team at Spelman College.

Jessica Obi

A Spelman College student and member of the PlantGPT team.

Devyn Washington

A Spelman College student and member of the PlantGPT team.

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What they’re saying

“I love nature and technology. To combine them was a dream come true. It's small, everyday things you take for granted like taking care of a plant can be changed with a simple idea.”

— Grace Burch (The Post)

“PlantGPT is a way to be able to talk to your plants, so when your plant is dying, you need to know what type of information the plant needs or resources the plant needs, such as water, sunlight, or nutrients.”

— Joy Rutledge, Spelman College student (Instagram)

“The next step to this project is to expand it to small farms and urban gardens, ensuring local farmers can be able to detect their plant health and their crop. That way, we can ensure food security for the community.”

— Joy Rutledge, Spelman College student (Instagram)

What’s next

The PlantGPT team is now looking to make their device publicly available at an affordable price in the near future, with plans to expand the technology to support small farms and urban gardens.

The takeaway

The PlantGPT device developed by Spelman College students represents an innovative intersection of technology and nature, empowering plant owners to better understand and care for their houseplants through an AI-powered 'plant communication' system. This breakthrough could make plant care more accessible and reduce plant neglect, while also potentially improving food security in local communities.