There have been similar systems for seed-sowing for decades. This is the first system I've seen anything like it for seedling transplanting, but the concept is

There have been similar systems for seed-sowing for decades. This is the first system I've seen anything like it for seedling transplanting, but the concept is not so far different from the seed-tapes that horticulture has used for quite a long time, so I'd be more inclined to think the inspiration came from closer by than electronics.