CES 2025: This AI nature camera wants you to be besties with your backyard plants

Wonder, the new startup from the creators of the Bird Buddy smart bird feeder, aims to help users connect with their local nature through its innovative AI-powered nature camera called the Petal. Unveiled at CES' Unveiled media event, the Petal is designed based on community feedback and aims to foster an intimate relationship between users and their backyard environments, as explained by CEO Franci Zidar.

The Petal features a unique, colorful design resembling a cup-shaped flower, which can be installed in various ways. Users have the option to wrap its flexible stem around objects like branches or to attach it to planters using a universal clip. An optional solar panel that mimics a leaf further enhances the device's camouflage within its natural setting, creating the appearance of a minimalist, bionic flower.

This nature camera not only captures photos and livestreams footage of local wildlife but also utilizes built-in "Nature Intelligence" AI to identify flora and fauna, alerting users to any unusual occurrences such as pest infestations or the presence of baby birds. Zidar mentioned that the Petal will provide personalized insights alongside actionable alerts, allowing users to engage more deeply with what happens in their gardens.

A future chat feature promises to enhance this interaction, enabling users to "converse" with nature. For instance, users can inquire if a particular flower is lonely, generating suggestions for compatible plants that thrive under similar environmental conditions.

To further encourage wildlife in less active backyards, Wonder has introduced the "Wonder Block," a modular system designed for creating habitats like seed trays and bug hotels. The Petal is set to launch on Kickstarter in the spring, priced at under $100, with shipping anticipated for early 2026, while details on the Wonder Blocks’ release are still pending.