In this video released for the 2012 Google Science Fair, scientists at Cambridge University demonstrate how they use LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robots to automate the creation of artificial bone-like structures. They report that NXT robots proved to be much easier to set up and vastly more economical than more high-tech solutions.
BlancoWhite, a New Form of Lightning by Santa & Cole
The BlancoWhite luminaires from Santa & Cole is the winner of a Red Dot Design Award for 2012.
BlancoWhite is created as a series of four models with essential shapes, usable as table-top bookcases, luminous shelves, or lighting composition systems, destined to play a leading role in our daily life. A new form of lighting which immediately convinces the user thanks to its quality and technology. BlancoWhite domesticates the light of LED and take better advantge of its greats benefits.
The Slanda Stand-up Pen
The Slanda pen is a pen from the Sweedish company gustav innovation. In their own words:
Slända (Swedish for dragonfly) is a pen that at a first glance might not seem to have the ability to stand, but a closer investigation will make you realise why it actually does.
Slända is an invitation and a reminder for people to investigate their beliefs, as they may not always be true. It’s named after a flying insect that has a unique ability to shift directions within a split second – just like your mind. But it can also hover without moving a millimetre, allowing it to focus despite turbulent surroundings. Our hope is that Slända will inspire you
to investigate your world in ways that are new for you. It is our contribution to the magic and powerful world of thinking.
It’s definitely looking great, but by having the bigger end as the grip might make it difficult to write with the pen.
Impressive Japanese Clothes Hanging System
Have a look at this impressive japanese hanging system. While not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, I think we can all appreciate the thinking behind this compact multi purpose system.
Watch the video and feel free to skip the first 30 seconds or so.
Via Core 77
A Chopping Board You Don’t Want to Throw Away
Chopping boards didn’t evolve much over the years, probably because of their already very minimalist design. Well, here’s a 2011 red dot award, and it’s a flexible chopping board!
Source : Yanko Design
The Smartphone Notebook (for iPhone)
This clever notebook act as both a journal and a carrying case for your iPhone. The cutout allows you to write notes and interact with your smartphone at the same time. I can see a lot of people wanting this as it’s very common to carry a classic notebook for quick note taking AND a smartphone.
The downside is that is seems impossible to flip pages while the headphones are plugged in.
Source: Design Bloom
Redesigning the Tack Pin
Sometimes you come across designs that make you realize the product you’ve been using for years was just badly designed. The tack pin is one of them and with with the “Easy to Press” design, simply press on the pin and it’s out!
Source : Yanko Design
Get Back on Track, Organize Your Space
The main function of the Desk Rail is to organize and centralize the tools on your desk. Inspired by the magnetic knife strip, found in most professional kitchens, the Desk Rail allows users to access their tools efficiently. A relative newcomer to the desk is the now ubiquitous smart phone. The Desk Rail positions the phone so you can quickly check alerts and charge it with an added cable. Check it out on pushstart.
PLUMEN : Redesigning Boring Light Bulbs
The PLUMEN 001 is the world’s first designer low energy light bulb. The dynamic, sculptured form contrasts to the dull regular shapes of existing low energy bulbs, in an attempt to make the Plumen a centrepiece, not afterthought. The PLUMEN 001 works like any other high quality low energy bulb – saving you 80% on your energy bills and lasting 8 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. Visit their website.
