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The Design blog


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

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 07:03 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

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
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.

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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
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
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
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
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.


Stream music endlessly with the Logitech UE Air Speaker

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:59 AM PDT

Radhicka S Saxena:

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
Logitech UE Air Speaker

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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


Kettle stick that sticks out to keep your power bills minimal

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

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
Kettle Stick

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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


First Braille, now bar codes... another boon for the visually challenged

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

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
Finger Code

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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]


Mini projector can put back your DVD player, LCD and even speakers

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:51 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

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
10 Lumen Handheld Mini Projector

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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


O’Sun Nomad is an easy to carry rechargeable solar lamp

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:50 AM PDT

Mridul Jerath:

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
O'Sun Nomad Solar Lamp

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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


Valle Moceniga Wetland Park to attract nature loving tourists

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 06:32 AM PDT

Jaspreet Kaur Walia:

Giulio Asso has come up with an architectural plan for Europe that will help people explore areas which have till date mostly remained untouched. Christened as the Valle Moceniga-Wetland Park, the project area is bound to attract a lot of tourists from all across the globe because of the biodiversity of the flora and fauna in the region.

Valle Moceniga - Wetland Park
Valle Moceniga - Wetland Park

Delta Park is one of the most important wetland areas in Europe and is quite rich when it comes to different species of plant and animal life. It is also visited by many migratory birds because of the richness it offers. The Valle Moceniga-Wetland Park will specifically attract people who love nature and are aware of what all it offers. The territory will be developed in a sustainable way that will not disturb the delicate balance between the natural and anthropic work of the area. Surprisingly, the territory to be reevaluated is almost untouched and is not very famous amongst the Italians as well. While constructing, the accessibility of the Valle Moceniga-Wetland Park was of prime concern. The designer made sure that it remained accessible to campers for quite a few months all through the years, which will help pull various kinds of tourists from all over the world that too with a lot of energy independence.

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Valle Moceniga - Wetland Park
Valle Moceniga - Wetland Park by Giulio Asso

The area is surrounded by a lot of water, which makes it an extreme territory. It is very humid because of the presence of water and also quite far away from energy supplies. This made it a little tricky when it came to picking the right construction material, keeping in mind the conditions prevalent there. Wood was a natural choice as it can be flexibly used for various purposes, has a good life-cycle and ranks low on the maintenance graph as compared to other materials. But, the most important reason for narrowing down on wood was its strong connection with the conventional construction practices of Casoni. The tourist zone of the area was divided from the museum with the presence of the main lake that also comprised of the traditional fishing ground. The museum, library and research center along with a few rooms for workshops and summer schools have been constructed on the lake bank, which also is the site of an ancient church of Moceniga. The accommodation area comprises of a widespread hotel, product shops, agricamp and electric cars and bicycles that can be rented.

The bungalows comprise of one central part, two side and three modules, which have been neatly divided by a sliding wall. These have been fashioned out of prefabricated cross laminated panels, which keep them cool during summers and warm during winters. This is possible because of the photovoltaic, passive solar house and solar thermal system. The best part being, these modules can be closed when the outside temperature dips, which will bring down maintenance and also keep a check on damage. The freshwater habitats are well connected with the help of pumps and pipes. This water is filtered by reeds and is then available for use in the territory.


A thoughtful tribute to instruments of renewable energy

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 04:36 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

Things can always be done in a better way, what we need is to find that "better way." The architects at Rotterdam-based architectural firm 2012 Architecten have proved this by presenting an astounding way of recycling wind turbine parts to renovate a derelict playground. This program to renovate "Wikado" playground was undertaken for "Kinderparadijs Meidoorn," a children's artistic center.

Recycled Wind Turbine Blades
Recycled Wind Turbine Blades

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Recycled Wind Turbine Blade
Recycled Wind Turbine Blades Make This Dutch Playground Fun

The 1,200 sq meter ground has been refurbished with sequence of four towers, a maze-like pattern and mid courtyard crafted using five discarded turbine rotor blade. According to the designers the center's existing playing field was in tatters and their focus was to change it into a usable play area using recycled materials.

The playground boasts slide tower, a watch tower and other similar stuff all crafted using recycled rotor blades in one way or the other. These blades are cut up and erected in various styles to exhibit unique characteristics. A climbing net hung up between four towers stops ball from being entering neighboring areas.

This colorful garden adds historical value to the Dutch identity, a place well renowned for contemporary wind turbines and traditional windmills. A noteworthy merit here is that wasted old scrap has been put to excellent use. In a way, it’s a very thoughtful tribute to instruments of renewable energy. It’s even more significant here that the blades have been employed in a playground which leaves a very healthy message to future generations of caring for Mother Earth.

Via: Treehugger


Now your best companion (robodog) will take care of your eye's Apple

Posted: 28 Mar 2012 01:43 AM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

"Come on boy, go get it" is what you say to your pooch when you want him to flex his mental and physical sinews. Generally this "it" is a bone or a ball or something of a kind. Well this time around, the object triggering your pet's fancy is an "Apple." Now you would be thinking that mutts don't relish apples, yeah, but this one does. The robot dog utilizes Apple's iPhone for its brain. So now you sophisticated pocket entertainment device brings to life a robotic companion you'd love.

Robot dog
Robot dog

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Robot dog
Bandai announces Smartpet, a robot dog with an iPhone for a face

Bandai's new "SmartPet" will make you accomplish your desire to have a puppy without facing hassles of taking him for a walk, cleaning his poop, taking his care and even feeding him. To own this electronic dog you just need to have an iPhone, which will act as the brain of the SmartPet. Its moves will respond to your touchscreen gestures and it will be managed via a free application. Fully efficient in responding to around 100 facial expressions, you will be able to make your electronic pet make tricks by just moving in front of the Facetime camera or by voice commands.

The most interesting fact about the pet that will make you fall in love with it is that as it gets more emotionally attached to you it will learn more responses and would even dance and sing with other dogs making use of Bluetooth. Other than being present as a companion for fun and games, the SmartPet will also work as a handsfree phone as well as an alarm clock.

The company is all set to release these virtual pets by the end of April with the initial price tag of $78. You will get an option of choosing your pet either in white or in black. However, the app for iPhone, which may perhaps be used without the robot attachment, will be released on 31st march.

Via: Theverge


Idle Chinese factory worker commercializes DIY Mini Submarine

Posted: 27 Mar 2012 11:42 PM PDT

Shallu Sharma:

A worker from the most populous city in Central China uncovered substantial market for underwater vessels and decided to open his own submarine building factory. He started this factory with around $400 thousand start-up and has got ten employees. Building each DIY submarine costs around $31,621 and has everything needed to make it survive underwater ranging from emergency oxygen reserves to underwater monitoring video camera.

DIY Submarines
DIY Submarines

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DIY Submarines
Chinese Laid-off man Builds DIY Submarines For Sale

The mini submarine can accommodate two people easily taking them as deep as 30 meters at the speed of 20 km/hr for about 10 hours. This makes it really useful for cleaning riverbeds for garbage and for fishing. In the beginning few of his prototypes even sank but now he has mastered the art and has already received three orders for the year.

The very first customer of the mini submarine, a sea cucumber fisherman claims that though the submarine was not as flexible as car for obvious reasons but it was fully functional and worked pretty well. The submarine genius is presently working on this second submarine that will have wrought iron walls and air-tight windows.

The DIY mastermind says that building submarine has become more than fun and interest for him as he can see golden business opportunity in this profession. He is working hard to raise funds as for now only one submarine could be completed in a month. Once on track, this DIY submarine building can prove a real boon for China's domestic market.

DIY SubmarineIdle Chinese factor worker commercializes DIY Mini Submarine

Via: Micgadget


1 comment:

  1. Hi
    I'm Giulia and I work for Technogym in the Web Department.
    If you want to get more infos on Kinesis, join our community http://wekinesis.com, meet other people and learn how to use Kinesis http://wekinesis.com/en/learn/pdf
    Thanks
    Giulia

    ReplyDelete

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