Explanation from Petr:
The exhibit is an active relaxation and rehabilitation bath with special features that permit the changeability of water volume (0-410 L) and provides a pleasant form of relaxation due to its continual and smooth changes to the ergonomical shape of the structure. The bottom contour of the bath adjusts in order to conform to the required position and height of the user. The various geometrical changes to the shape enables the bath to be “shortened” for example, creating a backing for the legs in order to maximize on comfort.

For the purpose of saving on water consumption, one can simply change the depth of the bath so it becomes shallow or select a shape that is most suitable for the user. The changes to the shape of the bath floor can be modified & readjusted anytime. Another wonderful trait of the bath is that it is equally convenient for bathing children, because one can adjust a safe depth of bath, reducing risk of drowning as well as being equipped with soft finish of the base. In addition to creating minimal dimensions, the bath itself can be used as a baby changing table. Getting in and out of the bath tub is simple and effortless. There’s no need to climb over edges of the bath. This way, it is beneficial for people with physical disability or those completely immobile.

Uniquely, in this bath we can experience an unmissable feeling of soft, rippling of the bath floor during bathing or when having a massage. This is a new form of relaxation which we can daringly refer to as “kinetic therapy”. The type of technology used forms system of 10 pneumatic pistons (compressed air powering pistons) and includes inclinable segments covered with soft upholstery. This lining creates a pleasant feeling without causing pressure on the body even in the case when the bath is low filled or during the filling or draining of the bath tub. The movable segments are covered by special, highly elastic, hygienic and strong foil (used in the concept of BMW Gina. The geometric shape of the head rest can be partially changed and is also made from movable structures, covered in flexible foil. The type of material`s used are synthetic rock (e.g. ceramics, plastic shroud), glass, elastic foil.

Other systems used are classic hydro/air massaging jets capable of being rotated and powered by electric motor. The connection to mains water supply, water outlet, air and hydro massage jet is through flexible hosing. The bottom of the tub is sealed and the whole base can be raised or lowered over a flat surface of the inner side-panels of the bath. That is how water tightness is ensured.

Everything is controlled electronically with a remote control. As a result, it is possible to select filling/draining of the bath, change water temperature, adjust hydro/air massage settings (duration, intensity, cycle program) and change the shape of the bath floor whit comfortably resting in the bath tub. This is done with the help of sensor button on the display of a remote control. The geometry of the bath can be altered simply by means of accessing touch display screen on the remote control. Naturally, the program remembers previous settings and if the conditions allow, the bath immediately fulfills the command of the user. Simultaneously however, whilst making the change, the height of the water surface, its volume and temperature as well as the total water consumption is electronically monitored.

The filling of the bath is possible through water inlets positioned right beneath the head rest, whilst draining is carried out through the segment located in the middle of the bath tub. If we were to come back to the principle of shaping the bath floor, an alternative method exists, which replaces pneumatic pistons and electrically tilted segments with air pouch system (ballonet). In addition, the foil covering the surface of various segments can also be replaced with a variety of other materials available on the market, that have similar properties.

Designer : Petr Kubik

This concept device can be held in ways that is comfortable by the user and enables the utilization of the index finger and thumb. Most amazingly, this device can produce electrical energy by any kind of movement, even slight vibration persuades electricity, which is used to charge this device. More energetic interactions, such as, swinging the device repetitively between and around the index finger and thumb, gives a greater charge. The user can learn, develop and combine varieties of techniques for not only powering the device, but also increase the hand dexterity and coordination.

The track control section includes an electromagnetic inducer that generates an electric charge for the device from any kind of vibration or motion. The volume control segment includes all the major electronic modules of the device, including phono input, headphone output, memory storage unit and logic board. The volume control contains basic controls only and no screen, allows less energy requirement. The soft exterior casing of both main parts and beads provide easy grip and tactility, and is consists of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is an energy efficient material to manufacture and consequently, can be effectively recycled. The inner casing is made of stainless steel and provides protection to the electrical equipments and offers a tactile weight to the device. Aside from giving the device a unique form, the cable connects the two sections and transfer energy to all other components from the power supply.

Revealing the cable detach screws can be done by pulling out the soft outer casing. Unscrewing these will separate the entire device into different components that will let the user customize, repair and replace the components. Adjusting volume and track selection can be controlled by turning the end beads within the consequent end sections. The power and play or pause is controlled by clicking the beads into the sections.

Designer : Thomas Mascall

This electrically powered futuristic concept vehicle houses two passengers and includes four motors, one for each wheel, which will let the wheels to swivel on its center by inverse rotation. These motors are located inside every wheel and the wheel rims are designed to act like a propeller to keep the system cool. Besides, another motor exists in the center pivot that provides the required power to change the appearance of the car, like opening the trunk door or modifying the seat arrangements.

The dimension of this car is 1.75 x 1.75 meters approx. when it is in compact mode. By using a geometry stimulated from the ‘bioarchitecture’ of a moving cat, this hybrid formed car changes its attitude with his postures.

Designer : David Vega

Designer : Güney Kol

[Press Release]

Husqvarna, the global leader of outdoor power products, has developed a quiet, powerful and environmentally friendly ride-on mower for the future garden. The concept mower, developed by Husqvarna’s designers and engineers, is made of recycled materials and gives an indication how the future of mowing might come to look.

-Husqvarna Panthera Leo™ demonstrates our innovation capacity and ambition to develop high performing products with less environmental impact, says Magnus Yngen, President and CEO of Husqvarna.

Husqvarna Panthera Leo™ is a hybrid made up of two ride-on mowers, Rider and Zero-Turn. A battery that can be charged at any electrical outlet has replaced the traditional gas engine. Five powerful electrical motors partnered with a sound absorbing cutting deck, allow the Husqvarna Panthera Leo™ to glide effortlessly and silently across your lawn. The tree individually suspended cutting decks enables this mower to mow smoothly over bumpier parts of your garden, avoiding lawn scalping. The cutting decks each have razor sharp blades for a close cut finish and can be controlled to suit wide or narrow lawns (from 85cm up to 120cm).

All functions and are managed via paddles on the steering wheel. Via an LCD-display gardeners are told everything they need to know to achieve a perfect lawn, from how fast they are driving, cutting height, cutting width, remaining battery time, service needs and warns the user about objects that are too close. With the help of sensors, Husqvarna Panthera Leo™ can recommend the most suitable speed and cutting height for the perfect lawn.

Husqvarna is the leader in several areas in terms of products with reduced environmental impact. The Group’s new engines comply with the strictest exhaust-emission criteria in the US and Europe .

Features

* Equipped with zero-emission technology
* Produced from recycled materials
* Rechargeable Lithium-phosphate battery
* Plug-in product, charged at any electrical point
* Five brushless electrical engines, easy and clean to maintain
* Three separate cutters equipped with razor sharp blades
* Cutters individually suspended to glide smoothly over bumpy terrain and prevent lawn scalping
* Variable cutting width (85-120cm)
* Zero-turn functionality
* Lifting cutting deck (90 degrees)
* Ergonomic steering wheel
* Easy to control dashboard
* Cutting time 2 hours, overnight charging
* Detailed LCD display monitor (featuring cutting height, width of cutting deck, speed, service information, steep hill warning, objects that are too close)

Designer : Husqvarna

Designer : Apostol Tnokovski

Designer : Dmitriy Shcherbakov

sunLight is scaleable. The standard configuration embeds 6 modules, each of which consists of an LED unit and 2 AAAA rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, one of modules holds a charge controller. For more or less luminance/capacity, the size of solar cell film and with it the number of LED-battery modules can be varied proportionally. A low number of components reduces the production costs; production of different sizes requires just one new tool for the base material. Except for the batteries, all parts could be made of recyclable polymers.

Designer : Hermann Eske via GreenerGadgets Competition

Kenneth says :
Shake is a mp3 player that can be charged by shaking when the HOLD function is on. With HOLD off, the user shakes the player for PLAY/PAUSE. The action of shaking the player to play or charge it is similar to shaking a pocket watch to wind it. The similar semantics provide an interesting yet familiar experience of giving life to an electronic device.The form of Shake was developed based on the language of a pocket watch, not only through the operation of shaking but also visually. Using the form from an established typology, Shake provides a comforting familiarity in a sea of electronics with foreign shapes and forms.

The use of kinetic energy to charge the battery not only solves an environmental issue, but also a more personal one. In situations like a long commute home, the user can enjoy personal audio without worrying about the battery dying out.

An electromagnetic coil is connected to the battery, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the battery. The player connects to the computer via a USB cable through the headphone jack, facilitating the transfer of songs as well as the conventional method of charging.

Shake would utilize kinetic energy generation technology developed by start up company M2E Power. M2E’s micro-generator technology delivers 300% to 700% more power than existing kinetic energy solutions (according to the company’s website), harvesting sufficient energy from normal daily and mechanical motion to power a wide range of mobile electronic devices.

This technology allows Shake to charge even in the user’s pocket while he/her is walking around.

Designer : Kenneth Tay

Sergio says “Outside the car industry technologies have been developed in order to regenerate power, like kinetic watches, wind turbine, geothermic energy absorption even a sustainable dance floor is developed that regenerates the energy from the bouncing of the floor.

Around those ideas I designed a car with a central kinetic axis that generates the power of the movement as the vehicle turns like two attached motorbikes.

Second, I thought electrical cars should be designed aiming for sensations and not for speed in order to preserve the batteries longer. At high speed the battery range drop considerably, so this vehicle would provide sensations at lower speeds.

Drivers that have lived in a virtual computer game word that want to drive a vehicle closer to a spaceship, something that can provide them with different sensations.”

Designer : Sergio Loureiro