Images courtesy of MIT
Around the campus of MIT,something new is popping up around the Killian Court.What looks like something straight out of Tron is actually an interactive solar charging lounge chair,called the SOFT Rocker.The ergonomic design features a solar panel strip along the top that charges a 12 ampere-hour battery and reserves the energy that's collected.Students can plug in their devices to a USB hub while relaxing(or hiding out from that Astrophysics class.).During the evening,the Rocker turns on its electro luminescent strip within to create a very futuristic and cool effect.But that's not all.
The SOFT Rocker is interactive by using parametric design software and automated fabrication with a lightweight Kuka robotic arm.It was chosen to avoid the use of ever larger robotic components so that it would blend with the idea of combining flexible design with functionality.This allows it to track the sunlight for optimum performance.The human body'natural ergonomic balance participates with the Rocker's design by sensors that cause the chair to adjust the tilt and direction depending on how you sit.
The SOFT Rocker is the brainchild of MIT Professor of the Practice of Architecture Sheila Kennedy and her team.The SOFT Rocker was part of MIT's 150th-anniversary Festival of Art+Science+Technology(FAST)celebration.She wanted to tackle the problem of power generation as an integrated and distributed public activity rather than a centralized,singular off-site project of a??engineeringa??.The design is simply two soft wood panels that are bent into a leaf-like shape.This makes it possible to create something different than hard urban infrastructure.
Now if it could only fly!
The SOFT Rocker is another chic,sexy innovation that proves geeky is the new black!There is quite an interesting video lecture about the whole concept and process at the MIT website
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