Finally, a 21st century power-assist upgrade for a modern-day electric cart!

Of all the devices that human beings have invented to increase productivity, the humble but formidable handcart has hardly ever gotten an upgrade which keeps pace with the rest. We have had power drills and electric vehicles for years now, and ample new-age tools with plenty of variations to suit almost every need. However, the hand cart has hardly progressed in terms of functionality, safety, and ease of use. There have been a few electrical versions of the cart, but none comes close to the user-centric thoughtful design of this innovation that is the AIRCART. Designed by Kim Seungwoo and Im Minkyo at Naver Labs, the R&D arm of South Korean firm Naver Corporation, AIRCART is a modern take on a traditional transportation vehicle with a considerate infusion of design and technology that has made it the recipient of the prestigious iF Design Award.

Incorporating components of physical Human-Robot Interaction (pHRI) systems, the electronic motor assists the user in moving the cart by delivering power to the wheels as soon as the user pushes or pulls on the handle. The motor automatically increases its power giving the impression that the cart is gliding, even while carrying heavy loads. The handle comes with a force sensor that detects the user’s intent of pulling or pushing the cart and controls the movement accordingly by providing power in the right direction. Thus making the design very intuitive for human interaction with no added training to learn how to use the vehicle. What’s more, the cart also comes with an automatic braking system! The cart detects and automatically stops itself from moving freely when the user has left the handle. A great safety feature to have, especially while moving up or down a ramp or on any inclined surface. Oh, and it can carry up to 100 kilos easily! Now you can say goodbye to back pain whether you are moving luggage at an airport or doing your weekly groceries.

A common problem associated with any standard cart is that they block the view of the things lying ahead and this may lead to an accident. An estimated 530,494 children under the age of 15 were treated in the emergency department in the U.S. for shopping cart-related injuries between 1990 and 2011. AIRCART minimizes the front blindspot by designing a chamfered corner at the front. The users can thereby easily see if there’s sufficient space in front of the cart to prevent any potential collisions. OHS officers here’s looking at you! Another feature that proves the designer’s thoughtful mindset is the inward tilt of the loading shelves meant for books or other such objects so that they don’t fall out. That’s a handy feature to have while transporting lots of small items.

With an appealing aesthetic of coherent straight and diagonal lines and carefully defined curves, this cart is a feature-packed and an elegant device that is surely a leap forward into the future. And it’s not an industry-specific design! AIRCART can actually be used in factories, warehouses, and large bookstores and can surely cater to a much wider range of applications!

Designers: Kim Seungwoo and Im Minkyo of NAVER LABS

An autonomous robot that ensures the only thing you do in a bookstore is read

We’re all familiar with autonomous robots. The idea of little robot butlers finishing up all our household chores is simply so inviting. Well, you’ve thought of robots in your homes, but what about robot helpers at bookstores! Large bookstores can be often difficult to maneuver and manage for the employees and the customers. But Naver Labs’ AROUND B promises to handle all of it. AROUND B is a cute compact robot with wheels that will ensure the books are where they are supposed to be.

When a customer enters a bookstore and begins browsing, AROUND B will guide them and carry their chosen books to a seating area, where they can go through their books in peace without having to stand around and shuffle through them. When they’re done browsing and are sure they want to pick up a certain book, they can simply place the book into AROUND B’s storage unit, and the mini robot will carry the book to the cashier! On the other hand, the books that didn’t make the cut and are left behind, AROUND B picks them up and takes them to a common section, wherein the employees can easily gather the books and put them back in their respective section. Now, in my book-loving mind, these little bots are the perfect accessory to my book-laden arms, ensuring I can stay in my cushy spot and exit without worrying about returning the books and not confronting the world outside of my book’s universe!

Minimal, sleek and futuristic, AROUND B is one good looking robot. The various curves and lines on it create a unique aesthetic and to be honest, it almost looks friendly! I guess browsing through a bookstore has never been smoother.

Designer: Kim Seungwoo and Kyumin Ha of Naver Labs