Butterfly Diaries is an innovative Creative Technology project that transforms the metamorphosis of Painted Lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui) into an interactive dialogue journalism experience. Using M5Stack Fire controllers programmed with flow.m5stack.com, we've created the "Flatterkasten" (Flutter Box) - a smart observation system housed in a 3D-printed enclosure made from sustainable filament. The system follows four caterpillars, each with distinct personalities, at different stages of their transformation, making nature's most dramatic journey visible through real-time sensor data and voice interaction.
The Hero's Journey of MetamorphosisThe project frames each caterpillar's transformation as a unique hero's journey:Mother Earth calls out to the little caterpillar: Eat,eat, eat and become a beautifulbutterfly. By observing four caterpillars with different personalities at various stages simultaneously, visitors witness four unique epic tales unfolding in parallel.
Character ProfilesEach caterpillar has been given a distinct personality that shapes their responses:
- The Philosopher: Contemplative and questioning, wondering about the meaning of transformation
- The Adventurer"Nimmersattolini": Excited about every new experience, eager to explore
- The Worrier: Anxious about changes, seeking reassurance from visitors
- The Comedian: Finding humor in the journey, making light of challenges
- 5x M5Stack Fire Controllers
- 5x ENV IV Sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure)
- 5x LED Light units
- 1x USB Hub (6 ports)
- 5x USB cables
- 1x USB extension cable
- 1x USB power socket
- 5x Grove cables (long)
- Cable management channel
- PLA filament for 3D printing (sustainable/biodegradable)
- Acrylic glass sheets for viewing panels, reflective for caterpillar chamber walls
- Neodymium magnets (for frame holders and chrysalis mounting)
- Foam padding
- Mounting pins (for securing chrysalises)
- Adhesive suitable for acrylic (difficult!)
- 4x Painted Lady caterpillars (Vanessa cardui)
- Thistle plants or prepared caterpillar food
- Water source and fruits for Butterflys
Equipment: Prusa MK4 3D Printer
The Flatterkasten is printed in four separate parts for easy assembly and maintenance. Be aware: The case is still a prototype in development.
Base Unit (Print time: approx. 8 hours)
- Contains cable management channels
- Integrated USB hub mounting
- Ventilation holes
Chamber Dividers (Print time: approx.2 hours each)
- Creates four separate observation chambers
- Includes sensor mounting points
- Magnet slots for easy removal
Top Frame (Print time: approx. 6 hours)
- LED light integration points
- Cable routing channels
- Acrylic panel groovesLED light integration pointsCable routing channelsAcrylic panel grooves
Controller Housing (Print time: approx. 3 hours)
- Holds all five M5Stack Fire controllers
- Ventilated design
- Easy access panel
Controller Housing (Print time: approx 3 hours)Holds all five M5Stack Fire controllersVentilated designEasy access panel
2. Laser Cutting Acrylic Panels- Cut four viewing panels (dimensions based on chamber size)
- Cut one base plate
A. Flash M5Stack Fire Controllers
- Visit flow.m5stack.com
- Flash the custom Butterfly Diaries firmware over the Air:
- Controller 1-4: Individual caterpillar monitoring
- Controller 5: Individual cocoon monitoring
- Configure WiFi settings for cloud connectivity
B. Sensor Installation
- Connect ENV sensors to each monitoring controller via Grove cables
C. LED Installation
- Mount LED units in top frame. We used kitchen sponges to hold them in place.
- Connect to respective controllers
Base Assembly
- Insert neodymium magnets into designated slots
- Route USB cables through cable management channels
- Mount USB hub securely
- Connect power supply
Chamber Construction
- Insert dividers into base unit
- Ensure proper ventilation between chambers
Acrylic Installation
- Apply adhesive to frame grooves
- Carefully insert acrylic panels
- Allow 24 hours curing time
- Clean panels thoroughly
Electronics Integration
- Mount all five controllers in housing
- Connect all Grove cables
- Route USB connections to hub
- Test all sensors and LEDs
Final Assembly
- Attach top frame with magnetic connections
- Install foam padding for chrysalis mounting
- Place pins strategically for chrysalis attachment
- Perform system test
Network Setup
- Configure WiFi on all controllers
- Set up Airtable database connection
- Configure Voiceflow webhook endpoints
Character Programming
- Upload personality caterpillar profiles to Voiceflow
- Configure ElevenLabs voice settings
- Test conversation flows
- Set up stage-based responses
Habitat Preparation
- Place thistle or food in each chamber
- Add water sources
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Set appropriate temperature (20-25°C)
Caterpillar Introduction
- Gently transfer caterpillars to individual chambers (tweezers!)
- Document initial size and stage
- Begin monitoring protocols
The project features a sophisticated multi-channel communication system:
- Voiceflow.com: Powers one AI conversational agent with four unique personalities
- Twilio.com: Provides phone number integration for voice calls
- Airtable.com: Manages individual caterpillar profiles, personality traits, and sensor data
- Daily: Check food and water levels
- Weekly: Clean viewing panels, download sensor data
- As needed: Replace foam padding, adjust pin positions for chrysalises
- Post-emergence: Clean chambers thoroughly before next cycle
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