Author Archives: Ida Torres

Morphing wheel research can ride over uneven surfaces and obstacles

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Wheelchairs and mobile robots are useful (and sometimes necessary) tools for those who need them but because of the way their wheels are built, there are a lot of limitations as to where they can go. Uneven surfaces and high obstacle areas can sometimes be unaccessible for them. Researchers have been trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak by coming up with a wheel that can adjust to different terrains. This latest one from Korean researchers may just be the most promising.

Designers: Jae-Young Lee, Seongji Han, Munyu Kim, Yong-Sin Seo, Jongwoo Park, Dong Il Park, Chanhun Park, Hyunuk Seo, Joonho Lee, Hwi-Su Kim, Jeongae Bak, Hugo Rodrigue, Jin-Gyun Kim, Joono Cheong, Sung-Hyuk Song

This Variable-stiffness–morphing wheel that they are testing out is actually inspired by the surface tension of a droplet of liquid. The main thing about this experimental wheel is that it is able to ride through uneven terrain and go through obstacles while still keeping what makes a wheel a wheel when driving through flat ground. You’ll have to go back to your physics notes to fully understand but the basic idea is to create an imbalance in the cohesive forces between molecules.

This deformable wheel that they’re developing has a “smart chain structure” which is a chain of blocks outside the wheel that is connected by wire spokes to opposite sides of the central hub. From the demo video that they showed, the wheel is able to deform and adapt to the surface so it could travel over the obstacles it encounters. The two-wheeled wheelchair they used was able to ride through grassy ground with uneven surfaces. There was not video of the four-wheeled vehicle but they said it was able to drive over rocks and large steps.

It’s still early stages in this research so there are things they need to improve on. For example, dust and particles are able to get through to the smart chain blocks so the wheels are easily damaged. And the video of the wheelchair shows there’s an extreme forward tilt to the chair part so it’s not that safe for passengers yet. But this morphing wheel is promising and may eventually be useful for wheelchairs, mobile robots, and other uses.

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Spatial video camera concept lets you capture photos and videos hands-free

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The way we capture videos and view them has constantly been changing and along with that, mobile devices have also been evolving. With the introduction of spatial videos, we see brands like Apple trying to become the pioneer in this new form. Basically, this is a video that lets you view photos and videos as if you were there instead of looking at them with just a single fixed view. It’s a more immersive form of 3D since you’re able to turn your head and see different perspectives.

Designer: Suosi Design

As more people get into spatial videos, we’ll see all kinds of tools that will be able to capture and view videos like these. One concept tool is called VISOO, a spatial video camera that you can to take videos that can later be viewed using devices like Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro. It is not a bulky camera at all as probably one of the things that will be taken into consideration when developing tools for this kind of video is that it’s easy to carry around.

Based on the product renders, VISOO is a pretty light device that you can either carry around or attach to the accompanying glasses. For the handheld option, the cameras will be stored onto the battery case as you shoot your photos and videos. It seems there’s also a tripod where you can attach the case to for times when you need to have it placed on something a little more stable. For the glasses option, the cameras are attached to the hinges so you can move around easily while capturing moments.

Since this is still in the conceptual stage, there’s no information about the quality of photos and videos that it will capture. And with spatial videos still in early days, there’s still a lot to be discovered and explored for brands that are developing tools that can be used to enjoy capturing and viewing them.

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E-cargo bike lets you transfer cargo without much effort

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If you work in a business that needs to transport cargo but not that heavy that needs an actual truck, there are few options in the market that can fit that need. And of course if you’re looking for something that is eco-friendly and easy to manage and maintain, then of course the options become fewer. A German startup is offering something that operate like a mini HD truck but also seems like a pedaled dump truck.

Designer: Dynamic Drives Giessen

The Intelectra E-cargo bike is a four-wheeled, pedal-based tool that can work in cargo transport in urban areas. It is also easy to drive around in as it uses the INTELECTRIC drive system (iSHS) that turns your pedaling power into up to 250 Watts of electrical power to drive the 270-lb truck-cycle forward. So the driver will not be so stressed in “carrying” the cargo even as they pedal to their destination.

It actually looks like a regular bike or trike but with a rear cargo box with an aluminum frame at the back that is 4-foot-long, can carry up to 450kg (driver included) and can load up to 12 euro boxes. The square aluminum tubes are supported by tall, plastic-rimmed wheels. The pedal drive that extends past the wheelbase lets the driver sit upright as they power the bike through their pedaling.

The purely electric drive technology gives the Intelectra a maintenance-free system so there’s no need for things like oiling and less wear and tear. The drive system can go for 30,000 km without needing any maintenance. It can travel up to 93 km per charge while the battery can charge for an hour and a half. There are L and XL options with the latter being one euro crate width longer.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas LEGO® set coming in time for Halloween and Christmas

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Christmas is just around the corner (well, at least here where we start celebrating as soon as the -ber months come in) and before that, Halloween first, for those who celebrate. Those who want to combine the two holidays are probably fans of the classic Tim Burton movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas. And if you’re one of those, then you will want to save up money for this LEGO® Ideas set.

Designer: LEGO®

The LEGO® diorama kit you never knew you needed will soon be available for the fans of the famous stop-motion animated musical fantasy film that came out in 1993 (so yes, that’s considered a classic now). The set includes 3 iconic locations from the movie – Spiral Hill, Jack Skellington’s house (that’s the main character if you haven’t watched it), and the Halloween Town Hall.

Each of the diorama models features “authentic” details like the walking bathub, a chalkboard containing Jack’s formula for Christmas, the lectern at the Town Hall, among other things. The set also includes 8 character minifigs: Jack Skellington, Sally, Santa Clause, Lock, Shock and Barrel, Zero the Dog, and a brick-built The Mayor with two faces. The LEGO Builder app also has some 3D viewing tools based on the set and the movie.

There are 2,193 pieces in the Nightmare Before Christmas set so this is something you might want to keep away from young children who might lose some of the pieces. And with its $200 price tag, you probably want to keep it for the grown-ups.

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Braille learning device uses minimalist design to facilitate seamless learning

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Most people assume that it is easy for visually impaired people to learn Braille. But according to those who are learning this system, the learning tools available are not always that intuitive and easy to use. In fact, the more cluttered a device or tool is, the harder it is as it can be overwhelming for those who are trying to learn and navigate it. Fortunately, there are product designers that want to create concepts for better designed tools that will hopefully be turned into actual products.

Designer: SAQ Design

SMARTIO EDU is a concept for a Braille Education Device that uses minimal tactile noise for both teachers and students that are trying to learn Braille. It is designed to optimize the organization of the information that is at the user’s fingertips. They used soft contours for the surfaces of the device and at the same time used tactile hints to help the user read the information through their fingertips.

The device looks like an instrument and in fact, it is, just not one that produces music. There are buttons on top for the various functions and that can serve as navigational aids. The “subtle cues” is able to tell the user the front and back of the device and also where the key interfaces are located. The device is also designed to work with a companion app that the teacher and student can easily follow and engage with.

The designers would of course have consulted with actual Braille learners to determine if this is something that could work even as it is still a concept. But we don’t see a lot of Braille learning devices in the market so if this does become an actual product, it would be a big help to the community.

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Largest floating wind platform sets on voyage to offshore destination

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The past few decades we’ve seen a lot of countries look for more sustainable (and safer) sources of energy as large parts of their respective populations continue to use a lot of power for various purposes. Wind energy have been an option for some and so we continue to see a lot of companies developing various types of wind turbines to help power their respective places.

Designer: Mingyang Smart Energy

OceanX is one of the wind turbines that has been making a lot of noise lately as it is now the world’s largest single-capacity floating wind platform. It has finally started its voyage from Guangzhou, China and is expected to reach its final destination of the Qingzhou IV Offshore Wind Farm in Yangjiang, Gangdong by August 14, traveling at 191 nautical miles. Aside from its sheer size, the dual-rotor design and its other technological powers has been catching the attention of those interested in sustainable energy.

The Y-shaped floating platform is made up of two MySE16.6 wind turbines on its upper V-shaped structure, with the entire thing weighing 15,000 tonnes. The blade diameters of the wind turbines are at 597 feet and it can withstand wind of up to 161 mph. Since it has a downward poster and a single-point mooring, the rotors can bend without damaging the supporting structure so it can stand up against extreme conditions like harsh winds and heavy waves.

While there are some reports saying that the OceanX will be able to generate power even in a hurricane, that remains to be seen as formulas of wind turbines in general would say otherwise. The company says that it is expected to generate 54 million kWh annually which would be enough to power 30,000 families (those with 3 members each) for an entire year.

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Summer house in Denmark is inspired by fisherman’s houses in the area

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One of my ultimate dreams is to be able to own a summer or vacation house in an area surrounded by nature. At the rate my life plans are going that will remain a dream but it doesn’t hurt to look at all the well-designed summer houses, specifically the ones in Europe. Most of these use sustainable materials and are built to be part of the natural landscape so those are major plus points.

Designer: Jesper Kusk Arkitekter

At Følle Strand in Denmark, they built the Strandvejen 35 Summer House, a “tiny” space measuring just 46 square meters and inspired by the fisherman’s houses that you can find in the area. Well, of course, a more expensive and spacious version. It’s actually made up of three small buildings that are overlooking the bay of Kalø and with all the spaces optimized so that 7 guests will be able to sleep there. You get all the basic spaces that you need in a house like sleeping areas, a kitchen, and of course a beautifully designed shower area.

The windows and walkways located around the house have also been turned into loving areas and they used sliding doors to separate the various interior spaces. Since the location is surrounded by nature, they have incorporated it into the over-all design. You have skylights and high ceilings to ensure a healthy indoor climate while the large windows show off the beauty of the surroundings which you can enjoy while sitting on the built-in benches and sofas.

The house was built using locally sourced materials, mostly wood and then using Danish oak to clad the facades and roof. This way the overall CO2 footprint is reduced and in fact, they are placed in the Danish voluntary low-emission category. The Strandvejen 35 Summer House lets you commune with nature while inside the comfort of your sustainably built space.

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Robot-looking kitchen air purifier can get close to your stove to absorb smoke

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Not all houses have built-in exhaust systems or have space for kitchen hoods so when you cook, it can turn a bit smoky and smelly in there. And of course, we know that the smoke isn’t always that healthy and there may be other harmful elements there. Having an air-purifying product that is small enough to fit in your kitchen but powerful enough to suck out all the smoke would be the ideal solution of course.

Designer: G11 Designs

The Roba is a robot-looking device but is actually an air purifier for your kitchen that can stay as close as possible to your induction stove top. It is able to absorb the smoke that may come as you cook as well as the harmful ingredients that come with it. It has two “legs” that are simple, thin, and hard metals that stand. at a 90-degree angle so it can support the weight of the entire thing and keep it as close as possible to your stove and the food you’re cooking.

Roba is designed with “flexible and concise movements” that can be adjusted as you cook. It has a height-adjustable pillar and an axis that can both rotate in different directions and also bend its head at different angles so it can adjust as you cook different things on your induction stove. The “friendly look” of the device means it can fit in well with most modern kitchen designs and the parts can be handled “concisely in cylinders”.

This seems to be a concept for now but it can actually be a pretty useful piece of kitchen appliance especially for people like me who have small kitchens and no exhaust system. The fact that it looks like a robot or at least a robot lamp adds to the cuteness factor that makes me want to buy one if it ever becomes available. Maybe I can start cooking regularly as well if I have something like this.

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Minimal bent tape dispenser is made from a single piece of steel

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There’s a meme that says one of the things that you’ll never find when you need it is the tape dispenser. You may own one (or maybe even several) but the moment you actually need it, it disappears. So maybe you need something that’s permanently attached to your work space or also something that’s not so difficult to use since I’ve “destroyed” several out of frustration.

Designer: CW&T

As a stationery lover, I like those simple and minimalist items that are both highly functional but also but also well-designed pieces. The M.R Tape Dispenser is one such item that I’ll welcome on my desk. It is a multi-radius tape dispenser that can hold one or multiple rolls of tapes of different sizes. It uses tension to hold and dispense these pieces of tapes.

The dispenser is made out of just one piece of machined and bent stainless steel. The tape is then fed through an opening and then cut into a polished surface. In order to get maximum adhesion, the space where the tape is held and teared off has a mirror polished finish. The dispenser itself has a rubber bump-on pad on its base so it can grip on to your surface. You can attach it to your wall or to your desk.

It’s a pretty simple piece of stationery but because the designers thought long and hard about it, you get something that’s pretty functional. Hopefully you don’t lose it since it’s a pretty expensive piece of tape dispenser.

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Become a Samsung Olympic Games Pin Master and get a Galaxy Z Flip6

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Aside from the actual sports events and the Olympians themselves, another popular activity in Paris during the Olympics is pin trading. You see the athletes and fans trying to get as many pins as they can, a practice that actually goes back to the 1924 Paris Olympics where it was a sign of international friendship. One of the games’ major sponsors, Samsung, is bringing a new spin to this tradition, and bringing prizes into the mix.

Designer: Samsung

The Samsung Olympic Games Pin Masters Challenge lets visitors in Paris get the chance to collect 16 specially created pins by playing different Galaxy AI-powered challenges at the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung pop-up experiences all over the city. You can even get the chance to get the extremely rare Golden Pin in order to become an official Samsung Olympic Games Pin Master. If ever you’re in Paris, you have until September 8 to play this challenge.

The 16 pins were designed by French illustrator Jean André and they are actually made from recycled aluminum from old Galaxy smartphones. Eleven of these pins represent Olympic sports like breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing, and four Paralympic sports – blind football, para athletics, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis. There are also four Special Pins that feature three-dimensional landmarks of the city. And then, there is that rare and elusive Golden Pin.

If you’re able to collect all 16 pins, you’ll get a new Galaxy Z Flip6 and a raffle entry to win a round-trip package for two to attend the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Several have already become Pin Masters, and it looks like most of them are kids. They’re the ones who probably enjoyed playing the challenges to get the pins. If I was there in Paris, I would probably be all over this challenge, even just for the pins.

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