The center of the flower will contain an embedded photocell - when a figure approaches to touch the plant, the photocell will actuate the nitinol.

Nitinol provides the mechanical force necessary to produce motion. "Dragon Skin" silicone molding compound spread along the veins of each petal help the flower to return to its default shape more quickly than with nitinol alone—the Dragon Skin also provides a layer of thermal isolation between the nitoinol and the silk petals.

The flower's petals contain all the components necessary to produce the required motion, so I wanted the final appearance of the object to take advantage of the small form factor—the petals are attached to a central hub that also holds the photosensor, and the rest of the body is a transparent test tube. A thin set of 16ga speaker wires are the only external connection necessary to power the flower, and I rather like the overall vivisected/ghost-controlled appearance this gives the final product.

This has to be up in the parlor in Davis Square by October 27, 2007.