In most parts of the developing world, when people want to sit and there aren’t any chairs, rocks, stairs or public seating available, they simply squat on their knees to rest. However, in the developed world, squatting o the ground is seen as uncivilized and people are forced to stand or lean against a sturdy pole, tree or a wall to rest in the name of civility. The Flute Primitive Seating Concept by designer Devraj Bhadra provides an alternative solution to lack of seating in public spaces. The seating stand is basically a carry around cane that can be extended and folded to provide a bike-stand like structure that one can seat themselves one when a bench or a chair isn’t available.

FLUTE - sit stand

The “sit-stand” comprises of a simple pipe that is made using polyester plates that allow smooth and noiseless rotation to allow the stand to be set up over any flat and sturdy surface. The seating part of the pipe comes with rubber coating for the comfort of the user while hollow joinery with special axes remain perpendicular to the rotation desired and keep the stand stable without requiring any other kind of reinforcement.

FLUTE - sit stand

To lock the position of pipe along the bends and ensure smooth noiseless movements, the polyester plates of the sit stand feature hollow joints and carefully calculated cuts along the main pipe of the FLUTE. The FLUTE Primitive Seating is perfect for people that like to walk and tend to wander off a lot but find it too uncouth to squat on the ground when they feel the need to rest their legs.

Link for this entry

We all dream of traveling in a time machine at some point of time in our life. This has definitely been one of my dreams ever since I was a kid. The feeling of traveling from one point to another in such a contraption had seemed like a far, unachievable dream. But those days of impossible have passed, all thanks to designer Miguel Silva Vazquez, an expert in Industrial and Interaction Design from “New School of Architecture and Design” in UVM Querétaro. “NO DO” is solely based on the futuristic concept of making people travel people from one point to another, without physically traveling to that point.

NODO

Picture Gallery

NoDo

NoDo (Time Machine) by Miguel Silva design

The device has been powered by solar cells and incorporates a 360 degrees camera within itself. The camera works on the idea of streaming and is a triangular shaped module. The design may very well be very innovative, but when it comes to implementing it, the real challenge would come to the fore then.

The designer’s idea is pretty unique, but the feasibility of the whole contraption would be tested when it becomes a reality. The prototype is still a design and shall take time to roll off the production floor. The uniqueness of the prototype was well discovered in the Shanghai Expo, bringing with it lots of innovation, creativity and designer products.

Via: MiguelSilvaDesign

Link for this entry

EDAG has come up with a new all electric car that vows to connect the city like never before. Named the EDAG Light Car-Sharing, the full range all electric car was unveiled at the International Geneva Motor Show held this year. The car is the third in the category of the EDAG Light Cars, which will prove to be very beneficial when it comes to car hire fleets inside the space of a city. The amazing ride will last for a good 10 years, which is quite commendable.

EDAG Light Car concept

The car comes tagged with an easy driving experience as the gear simply comprises of steering wheel, accelerator, indicators and brakes. The inside also has a single display, which will put on show navigation information, speedo and battery gauge. Such a construction accounts for an easy driving experience, especially for visitors and tourists. This also cuts down on all additional costs and brings down the fear of damage and money spent to fix it. Keeping in mind the life of the car, the components have a modular nature, which can be replaced with much effort. But all such practical features did not stop designers to compromise with the looks of the car. EDAG Light Car-Sharing has an attention grabbing design, which will wow onlookers.

Picture Gallery

EDAG Light Car concept

EDAG Light Car Sharing, an inter city car hiring fleet with a strong visual identity

The six seats user friendly vehicle will be just the right thing for big families and in case you are traveling with friends. The sets can also be folded, in case you are out for your weekly grocery shopping and need extra space to keep those big bags. EDAG Light Car-Sharing has a height of 1.9 meters or 6.2 feet, which makes it easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Technogel pads are placed on the bumpers of the car, which are responsible for absorbing all shocks making the ride as smooth as possible. This will also prevent any kind of damage that may take place in case of minor bumps. It has been found out that cars meant for long rides and brief ones, like in the city, have altogether different requirements. This was recognized and is evident from the self-explanatory hire system that has been used.

LEDs have been embedded into the gel pads that will put on show the availability of the vehicle. This has been inspired from the colors of traffic lights, which will make it easy for people wanting to hire the car to recognize if it is available or not without much guessing. Green color flashing from the car means it is available, yellow means it is getting recharged, while red is a clear indication that the electric creation is not available for use. The safety of passengers is further ensured by the presence of integrated lasers in the mirrors. These will project a safe zone on the ground to let passengers get in and out of the car without getting hurt. The rear window of the car can also be used to display advertisements when the car is not being used.

The car sharing vehicle will become the face of the city in no time, which can be booked via smart phones and can be unblocked using a Bluetooth key.

Via: Gizmag

Link for this entry

Advancement in technology has made it possible to talk to a person face to face even if he/she is miles away from you. This is possible via video chatting or conferencing that has become a great way of interacting with people of late. But, this has still not filled the gap of feeling someone’s presence around because of the lack of touch, which is quite essential. Bridging the gap is a robot hand that has been developed by a research team from the Osaka University.

Robot Hand Communicates Grip Force

Picture Gallery

Robot Hand Communicates Grip Force

Researchers develop robot hand to give your videoconferencing the ‘human’ touch

Attaching this robot hand will unfurl magic and will let people tele-handshake, which is simply mind blowing. The researchers found out that temperature, texture and a grip force were quite essential when it came to reproducing the hand of real person. To achieve these three aspects, silicone rubber and sponge were used that easily imitated human skin’s elasticity as well as the muscle structure underneath.

The temperature of human body was achieved by the use of a film heater, which provided warmth that comes with human touch. This killed the preconceived notion of a robot hand being cold. The hand was given a temperature slightly higher (37 degrees) than the temperature of human skin (32 degrees) just to make people feel that it is almost the same temperature as their body. Pressure sensors will also be installed in the robot hand, which will replicate grip strength. So next time when you have to attend an official meeting through video conferencing, the robot hand will make sure that you don’t miss shaking hands.

Via: Engadget

Link for this entry

The concept:

Professional athletes and sporty folks, who cannot afford to skip their training sessions, will really like this concept. This treadmill can boost the turnout of your exercise session. The design is being tested currently by Nike’s Oregon Research Project and the best distance runners in America have been invited to try it. Dubbed as the Alter G treadmill, the mechanism that supports the working of this design is absolutely incredible as it allows a person to not feel their weight while working out. About 80% of their body weight, which is quite a lot, will not hang in there when you are working out with this equipment.

AlterG

The inspiration:

The concept, taken from a machine built by NASA, applies the principal of Differential Air Pressure. The feeling of carrying out only 20% of your body will be a boon for many. You will be able to cope up with your exercise sessions even if you have health issues or are recovering from an illness. Professional athletes will also value the machine. There will be no need to halt training sessions in case of an injury. Also, athletes endure minor injuries and wounds from time to time. But now they will not be cutting short their exercise sessions while rehabilitating from muscle pulls, strains and other minor injuries. The equipment will also help out people who have suffered from an injury or undergone a medical procedure. Additionally, the device will also aid the elderly with their burnout sessions on the treadmill.

The design:

As a person will not have to endure the entire weight of their body with this treadmill, it will reduce the impact of their exercise sessions drastically. They will be able to exercise despite their health condition and will recuperate easily from an injury. The Differential Air Pressure or DAP technology has been employed to make this happen. This technology exerts a lifting force on your body, which helps you feel lighter while you are running or walking on the treadmill. The decreased impact thereby helps in the rehabilitation process after your injury. Up to 80% of your body weight can be made negligible with this treadmill. A patient can go for settings which help them exercise sans pain and make their body movements feel good. The contraption will function in an enclosure, where very little force needs to be applied and as a result the person will practically be unable to feel their body weight.

The device will have useful applications in many different scenarios. It can be used for surgical recoveries and physical therapies. Aged people will also find exercising easier with this treadmill. Professional athletes, especially those recovering from injuries will value the device. Hence, it can be outfitted at personal training facilities or at centers of sport coaches and physiotherapists. Also, the gadget allows one to exercise in safe conditions while recovering. It will also be a nifty addition at health clubs, leisure exercise centers, hospitals and military facilities. In fact, you can also do partial weight bearing exercises with this contraption.

Picture Gallery

AlterG

Alter G treadmill hooking ‘Anti Gravity’ up for fitness freaks

The fabulous

The treadmill doesn’t just allow you to exercise in poor health, but a whole range of activities at rapid speed without bothering about the impact can be executed with it. You can jog and even run on this treadmill. In addition, you can undertake activities that involve a full range of motion. Though the device is extremely expensive, its useful applications will keep it in demand.

The target:

The device is basically designed to help out people when they are feeling frail or recuperating from an illness or injury. Aged people will also find it handy as the task of working out become less burdensome with this application. Professional athletes will like the fact that they don’t have to give up their training session in case of an injury. Overweight people, those with a really bulky frame, will also appreciate the unique concept. Such people often find it hard to move around due to their excessive body weight. However, this natty treadmill will make exercising easier for them too.

Related trends:

1. The Access - Universal fitness

The Access

This ingenious device helps wheelchair bound people to exercise. All you have to do is hold onto the grips and then secure your wheelchair to the machine. Now, you can exercise your muscles or toil out a tricep curl effortlessly. You can do a full body workout with this machine whether you are tall or short. This breakthrough design by J.Ryan Eder from the University of Cincinnati has also bagged the International Design Award.

2. Kinesis Personal Fitness Equipment by Antonio Citterio

Kinesis Personal Fitness Equipment

This design claims to be a byproduct of nature and science and allows you to have a full blown harmonious workout right inside your house. You can do more than 200 different exercises with this product using the cables, weights and grips. The flat equipment covering 3.5 square meters of area can be fitted in your home, office or a hotel room. The strong apparatus with flexible attachments agrees with fluid, coordinated and focused body movements.

3. Urban exercise mobile for Elderly People

Urban exercise mobile

This is a safe and viable exercise equipment for the elderly, who need to exercise but have to stay wary of high impact workouts. The basic module consists of a platform and handle with additional fixtures like a rest module that is essentially a bench and a connector module comprising a floor tile. You can easily do strength training exercises on this piece without straining your joints and limbs. Installing this arrangement is easy and it will stay in its place for long years due to its stainless steel built.

4. Balance Gym, a medical exercise device

BalanceGym

This excellent machine by Robrady design has been engineered for people going through balance impairments such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinsons. It has been crafted with the assistance of physical therapists and orthopedic doctors. Handrails have been provided for support and people of all statures can exercise on this equipment easily.

Link for this entry

This natty computer add-on will be loved by all music buffs. The oodles of hi tech features it slots in are mind boggling. AirPlay technology from Apple sets this gadget apart and makes it a niche and desirable product as many different devices can be accessed with this technology. It can easily link up with your laptop, iPad, iPhone and even the iPod touch. This hook up is made possible via the Wi-Fi network installed in your home. Now you can play music regardless of which room you are in and whether you are near the speaker or not. Moreover, the music stored on your pals iPhone or iPad devices can also be streamed with this gadget without any need of pairing them up.

Logitech UE Air Speaker

Picture Gallery

Logitech UE Air Speaker

Logitech UE Air Speaker officially unveiled with AirPlay support and Ultimate Ears branding

The easy to operate system can be switched on by following simple instructions displayed on the screen. To set off the instruction mode, you only have to do dock your iPhone, iPad or iPod. So, the hassle free piece will surely be liked by all the lazy bones out there. You can also charge the piece while it is playing to enjoy non-stop sonic sessions. Use the Apple Dock Connector stashed in the hideaway drawer to charge the iPad or iPhone.

This is really the gadget to go for if you like to throw bashes or have frequent gatherings back at home. It looks absolutely stunning sitting on your table or desk. The all black gadget extends along the length and curves gracefully around the edges. Last but not the least, the acoustic qualities of the piece are astounding. The blast of music from it will send you into a rapture. The stereo like bebop and the blaringly loud highs will have everyone grooving.

Via: Logitech

Link for this entry

Great things do come in small packages. Sometimes big is not necessarily beautiful. Rather it’s energy guzzling and inefficient. A common such example is the electric kettle which is a device of quotidian use. We use it day in and day out without realizing the redundant waste of energy it causes. Eventually it “sticks” us with a fat electricity bill. Well, stick it shall no more because here is Kettle Stick to stick it to those exasperating bills.

Kettle Stick

Picture Gallery

Kettle Stick

Tea Kettle Stick

It’s neat looking, compact yet powerful and uses just enough energy to get you your important beverages hot enough for rejuvenating. The stick is pretty much shaped like a pen, with the on/off switch at the top. There’s a power lamp below the power switch working as an indicator. Below the indicator is situated the lithium ion battery compartment. The entire lower body is dedicated to the heating element which is a ceramic container. The lower tip of the kettle is the charging surface which is capable of magnetic resonance.

Pretty neat eh? It’s a simple device yet cleverly made up. The most impressive little bit about the kettle stick is the efficient power use since it heats according to the volume of the liquid unlike a kettle which heats up in entirety regardless of the volume of liquid to be heated.

Source: Inggoon

Link for this entry

It has been rightly quoted that Science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind. Here we are taking into picture those visually challenged people who are completely technology dependent in all respects. Living a normal life becomes really tough for such people but thanks to technological advancements that keep introducing products to assist visually challenged. The device we are talking about here is a Barcode Reader, dubbed the “Finger Code,” to be worn on the finger. It is operated by a system that recognizes product’s bar code by making physical contact with the product in form a touch. The system then transfers the information about the product to the user through the earphones.

Finger Code

Picture Gallery

Finger Code

Finger Code by Arman Martirosyan

Barcodes contain a lot of information about the product and in the past no such machines were available that could assist visually challenged to read barcodes. This Barcode Reader by designer Arman Martirosyan is one of its kinds that will identify a machine readable code, convert it into an audio message and then transmit the message to blind or visually challenged.

It basically consists of three parts that includes a plug, a Bluetooth enabled earphone and a reader device to wear on a finger. The plug keeps the reading device and the earphone tidy. The reader device comes equipped with a barcode sensor, which recognizes the data about the object. Its remarkable functionality makes it the first such barcode identifying device in the world.

[Cheers Arman]

Link for this entry

Hi-tech advancements have made technology and compactness go hand in hand. The 10 Lumen Handheld Mini Projector is the similar small sized gadget that exhibits number of functions ranging from MP4 player to video and photo sharing and the most important, making business presentations.

10 Lumen Handheld Mini Projector

Picture Gallery

10 Lumen Handheld Mini Projector

10 Lumen Handheld Mini Projector with Built-in MP4 Player

The device supports all types of multimedia file formats including JPEG, BMP, MP3, WMA, MP4, AVI, etc. It can read and play music files, videos and photographs directly from a micro SD card. The contrast ratio of 200:1 and 10 lumen output makes it flaunt crystal clear images on the wall. The options for manual zooming and focus are also available. You can simply hang it around your neck and enjoy music for hours, all thanks to its compact size. Its built-in speakers offer sound quality of music along with a 3.5mm earphone/audio output jack. It also features white LED bulb with amazingly long life of 20,000 hours.

The appearance of the device is as impressive as its functionality. The robustly built body of the device is crafted in solid aluminum and acrylic. It displays On/Off, Menu, Left, Right, Up, Down, Projector, and Focus adjustment bar buttons for simple and easy handling. Its sporty sleek appearance makes it perfect for traveling businessmen and designers. The mini projector is a cool gadget to replace your DVD player, a heavy LCD and even speakers.

Via: Chinavasion

Link for this entry

The O’Sun Nomad solar lamp has been designed by the Belgian designer Alain Gilles to meet several needs of its users and also to promote sustainable development. It is specially designed for the developing countries and for the families who do not have an easy access to electricity. It provides the best substitute for kerosene lamps causing a number of accidents. This Nomad lamp is a portable rechargeable device that is easy to use and is environment friendly.

O’Sun Nomad Solar Lamp

Picture Gallery

O’Sun Nomad Solar Lamp

O’Sun Nomad Solar Lamp: A Jug Full of Light by alain gilles

The NOMAD lamp is very user-friendly, as it is designed with a single push button which is used for its different settings and once fully charged it provides a lighting time of six hours at full power, which covers the maximum needs of the families having no other source of light. This luminous globe is protected by a silicone disc, which prevents it from falling off the table. It can also be placed on the ground or just anywhere as it is designed to be shock and fall resistant. This lamp can either be hung on a wall with its handle in order to light up a specific portion or it can be carried anywhere just as any other lamp. There are 12 LEDs inside it, which give plenty of lighting.

Apart from solar power, this lamp can also be charged using an adapter or any car’s cigarette lighter opening which in turn enables the users to use it without any limitations. In addition to this, it also has an attachment to charge mobile phones or else connect another lamp if required. It also takes into account the fact that in many cases it must be possible to fasten elements like the solar charger on walls without the required paraphernalia. It can also serve as a good light for a campsite.

Via: Technabob

Link for this entry