Demetro is an open-source device for urban reforestation, designed to simplify the tracking and monitoring of plantings.

Created by a team of designers and developers, the project was born to support initiatives like ForestaMi in Milan, optimizing the mapping and positioning operations of plants. Initially developed through a hacking exercise of an odometer, the project has evolved into a tool that integrates mechanical elements with a digital navigation system, replicable using open-source electronic boards. Thanks to the use of NFC tags and GPS technology, it enables species identification and verification of planting, improving the accuracy of the process. Simultaneously, it provides municipalities and associations with tools to monitor plant growth and update data over time.

The project fosters synergies between FabLabs, local authorities, and volunteers, making the reforestation process more accessible and efficient. Demetro is a modular, intuitive system designed to operate with low-cost, easily replicable components.

About the project’s approach

The project initially started as an output of a university course based on the concept of hacking. We expanded and enriched it by improving form and functionality using preexisting objects such as aluminum tubes and wheels combined with specially designed and 3d printed elements and Arduino software programming.

About the designers

We are Marta Marino, Giorgio Pagani, Marco Peroni, Paola Novelli, Bianca Reale and Riccardo Zerbi, five students in the Master’s program in Integrated Product Design at the Politecnico di Milano. The group was formed during the concept design – green course taught by Professor Massimo Bianchini.