Skip to main content

Grow a tree from a loved one’s ashes, and the Bios Incube will keep it alive

Bios Incube - World's first incubator designed for the after life.
The technology of today isn’t just for this life — it’s for the afterlife, too. If you thought that only the living could enjoy the perks of the 21st century, think again. When you pass on into the Great Beyond, rest assured that some great tech will go along with you. Or at the very least, that tech will make the most out of you. Meet the Bios Incube, the world’s first Internet of Things burial urn, because there really is something for everybody in 2017.

In all seriousness, it’s quite a clever idea. The Bios Incube is a tree incubator specifically designed to work with ashes. After a successful Kickstarter campaign (see, there really is demand here), the Bios team is hoping to disrupt the age-old practice of burying our deceased.

Meant for those seeking an alternative to traditional burials, and perhaps a direct connection with their loved ones, the Bios Incube works alongside the Bios Urn in order to create life after death. The Urn is planted into the Incube, and once everything has been set up (the Incube is, of course, app-connected), users can monitor the plant’s growth, and check out maintenance tips. The Incube comes with a built-in self-watering system that is triggered by a sensor placed at the soil’s surface. Further sensors are capable of detecting light exposure, electrical conductivity, and monitoring moisture, as well as temperature in the atmosphere and soil.

“What we want is simple: We want to combine the intersections of design, nature, and technology to create not just products, but experiences,” said Bios co-founder Roger Moline.

The minimal design of the Bios products allow them to fit rather seamlessly into any home decor, and guests would never guess the contents of the cube. And once your tree has sprouted, you can transfer it to a more permanent location — perhaps your loved one’s favorite destination.

“The goal of all of Bios products is to change the way people think about death by converting the end of life into a transformation and a return to life through nature,” the company noted. So if you’re looking for a way to honor those in your life who have passed, you may consider taking their ashes and placing them in the Bios Incube.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Best washer and dryer deals: bundles from LG, Samsung and more
A washer and dryer sit next to each other in a laundry room.

Grabbing yourself a new pair of washers and dryers can be an overwhelming task, whether you want to replace something old or you're starting with an empty house. They tend to be quite expensive, and if you're already on a tight budget, it can be hard to find something good that's also relatively cheap. Luckily, there are some great deals on brands like LG and GE, and there are even some great Samsung deals if you are already in the Samsung ecosystem. To that end, we've gone out and found some of our favorite deals and bundles to help save you the trouble and get you the best return on your investment.
Best LG washer and dryer deals

LG makes some awesome appliances. We've picked some medium-sized options, including a fairly cheap package deal available at Best Buy.

Read more
How to fix an Amazon Smart Thermostat that’s unresponsive
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Few smart thermostats are as affordable and powerful as the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Clocking in well under $100 and backed by the great reputation of Amazon, the affordable thermostat is one of the most popular on the market. Yet despite its popularity, the Amazon Smart Thermostat isn't without a few issues. A common issue that crops up for users is the thermostat unit becoming unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device as intended.

Read more
How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription
Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Read more