Prototype | Tag Archive

Latest Gear Live Videos

Subscribe:

YouTube

iTunes High Definition

iTunes Standard Version

RSS

Self-Flushing Toilet

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home,

This is our kind of bathroom fixture. Students from the Skjern Technical College in West-Jutland, Denmark have designed an intelligent toilet. The thing is so smart it puts down the seat after it has been flushed without the use of an energy source. The four contenders were given a prize for best product at the Young Enterprise entrepreneurial awards. This is a prototype that we hope gets some funding and makes it to the market soon.

Radio Flyer Cloud 9 Wagon

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Portable Audio / Video, Toys, Transportation,

Cloud 9 If you ever had a Radio Flyer, you might be amazed at the wagon of the future. The Cloud 9 features safety harnesses, padded seats, foot brakes, storage containers and cup holders. Even better, the prototype will have a digital handle to keep track of temperature, time, distance and speed. The is also a slot for an MP3 player and a speaker.

“We approached this product much like an automotive company might with a concept car,” said Mark Johnson, Radio Flyer’s product development manager.

We guess it is going to be a while before this one becomes the real thing. Until then, your tots will have to carry their iPods on their tricycles.

Toaster Battery Charger

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Misc. Tech, Storage,

Hyun-A Ko’s Toaster Battery Charger sucks up most sizes of lithium ion batteries. Place one in the upper slot, push the handle down, and after a while it will pop back up with a full recharge. Those who are antsy waiting for the charge can watch the color coded LED display that is bread-shaped. Put it next to your Wake ‘n bacon alarm clock and you get breakfast, sort of. The prototype is certainly on the right track and may make a dull chore moderately amusing.

Aqua Star Underwater Motorcycle

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation,

Let’s file this one under, “But why would you want to?” Brothers Dmitry and Timophey Ryabikiny have designed an underwater two-seater motorcycle. No special equipment is needed as the design includes a helmet with air supply available and a system to prevent glass steam-up. The Russian Aqua Star has two motors, the second one allowing the rider to maneuver by pressing and holding a button. The bike can go to a depth of 12 meters and move 7 km/hour. The brothers plan on making their prototype available next summer.

Silicon Touch iPhone Case For The Visually Impaired

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Design, Misc. Tech,

The Silicon Touch iPhone case was designed by Bruno Fosi for the visually impaired. The cover has modified bas-relief buttons that goes in tandem with a home screen without hampering the touch and scrolling functions. He also incorporated accessibility functions like moon type tactile feedback and text to speech. With a little practice, the prototype might even be a viable cover for those who like to use their iPhones under the covers when their partner thinks they are snoozing.

Oracle I Ching Watch

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Wearables, Design, Misc. Tech,

Some of us spent our earlier years consulting the Chinese I Ching to help us make decisions when we were probably procrastinating. The text is created by a set of hexagrams that are arranged in specific patterns in 6 lines for a total of 64 different arrangements. Andy Kurovets has designed a prototype watch that does the same thing.You press the button 6 times to make a hexagram and it will guide you through all those rough spots. We think it would be nice to have our own Oracle around when we are indecisive.

Flexible PSP 2 Prototype

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: PSP, Sony,

This has to be the ultimate in portable computer gaming. Designer Tai Chiem has designed his version of the Sony PSP2. The prototype features a flexible OLED display. An electric charge stiffens the display. On either side are stereo speakers that double as camera control and jog wheel. At the very least Sony should talk to Tai to discuss his and the PSP’s future, don’t you think?

Chat With Seven Mile Boots

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Wearables, Design, Internet,

7 Mile Boots People may already think you are a bit daft when you talk to yourself,. Now you have a viable excuse. Eloff-Berger-Pichlmair’s claim is, “Seven mile boots, the magical footwear known from folk tales, enables its owner to travel seven miles with one step. With little effort one can cross the countries, to be present wherever it seems suitable and to become a cosmopolitan flaneur with the world as the street.”

In ordinary terms, the interactive prototype shoes allow users to search online chatrooms automatically while moving and talking when standing still because spoken text comes out of them. Channels are selected according to the wearers preferred activity or topic.

Electrolux iBasket

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Smart Home, Misc. Tech,

iBasket Anything that shortens our clothes washing chores is fine with us. Guopeng Liang designed the iBasket for the Electrolux 2008 Design Lab Competition. Hamper-shaped, the prototype automatically washes once there is enough weight in it. With a wireless connection, it has a remote monitor and control of wash cycle frequency by PC and IM notification to PC or mobile device when your clothes are done. We only hope the final product won’t be transparent so we are forced to see our dirty laundry.

Snap & Lock Camera/Viewer/Docker

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Design, Misc. Tech,

If you are a photobug but don’t have time to get to a computer, Johanna Schoemaker’s Snap & Lock is a viable alternative. The digital cam and photo viewer/docking system combine with reinforced cable and magnets keep them in their place. The camera features saving, transfer, viewing, and editing when attached and has a flip screen for protection when not in use. While the description doesn’t mention it, the prototype appears to be a touch screen for further simplification. Good job, Johanna!

Welcome, Guest