Want to travel around the block more conveniently without leaving a significant carbon footprint or traffic chaos? Personal mobility is the answer, and we’ve seen numerous startups and established manufacturers hop on to the idea to come up with their version.

Now, Singapore-based technology company Strutt has caught attention at CES 2025 for their practical electric vehicle dubbed ev1 targeted towards independent living. According to Tony Hong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, “Our vision is to reimagine what a mobility device can be.” It’s not just about moving forward, rather it is about helping the masses with a solution that helps reduce every stress so that you can focus on important things in life.

Designer: Strutt

The ev1 mobility vehicle is distinct from the crowd because of its array of 3D LiADAR sensors and smart algorithm that creates a dynamic real-time map of the environment to facilitate smooth navigation through tight spaces or crowded streets. This is the same technology used in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. It comes with the Strutt Smart Wheel system for superior comfort and control and features a beefy quad motor setup, intelligent drivetrain, and active all-terrain wheels. Thus, the micromobility vehicle has good torque for riding on challenging terrain. Added to the mix is an integrated suspension system and good ground clearance for stability and comfort. ev1 gets a sizable LFP battery configuration which is better than Li-ion batteries since they don’t catch fire and are long lasting.

The PMV has three modes for traveling in the city – Drive, Support and Glide. The Drive mode is for complete manual control, while the Support mode lets you control the drive, speed and direction via a joystick. Semi-autonomous control is provided with speed and brake assist to avoid any abrupt obstructions that you might miss. This is a basic safety feature in the personal mobility vehicle. Then there is the Glide mode that brings an elevated level of assist by enabling continuous adjustment of speed and direction. In this mode, the 3D path is plotted of the complex environment, and is well-suited for individuals who have some kind of disability. Basically, you can free yourself and let the vehicle do the driving for you!

https://youtube.com/shorts/S4JZLJyRG_M

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If you’re a regular seeing person, you probably don’t have an issue when it comes to recognizing the cutlery placed on the table, whether you’re eating in or dining out. But for those that are visually impaired, it can sometimes be a challenge. You can’t really recognize the cutlery by touching the handle. You need to touch the head but it can lead to some hygiene issues.

Designer: Ho Hyun Lim

Tactil is the concept for a cutlery set that is created specifically for those that are visually impaired. The problem it wants to solve is to let people know what cutlery they are picking up just by touching the handle, not needing to touch the head of the spoon, fork, or knife to know what they are without risking getting infections.

The basic idea is to add tactile lines to the back of the cutlery which will give intuitive feedback to the user. The character lines on the handle are designed according to the utensil it is. The spoon has a gently raised curve since it is used to scoop food. The form meanwhile has indented holes since it mostly does the piercing action. Lastly, the knife has a sharp, linear pattern to symbolize the slicing motion you do with it.

The three are of course the most basic cutlery you would need. Now the challenge would be if you’re at a multiple-course dinner where you need to use more kinds of cutlery. There could of course be more character lines but also more things for people to memorize.

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Walkers are usually purely functional to help those who need walking assistance, whether due to old age or injury. But there are those who prefer not to use it for various reasons, including the fact that it’s just functionally designed and may not be aesthetically pleasing. But what if you create walkers that are stylish and still fully functional?

Designers: Josh King and Georgia Williams

That’s what the creators of the Zeal Lifestyle Walker are trying to create, bringing their previous design experiences from companies like Powell industrial and Dior. They want to position this product as a “luxury consumer goods experience” instead of just the usual end-of-life experience for mostly the elderly. They created something that will perform what it’s meant to do while also bringing an appealing design.

The cables of the walker are inside of the frame unlike most of the assistive devices. You also have a baring system for the steering and shock-absorbing wheels. If a part malfunctions, they will send a replacement and it can be replaced by the owner with their allen keys that come with the original walker.

It also comes in five pastel colors instead of the usual clinical colors that walkers come in. You can choose from sage, onyx, chalk, thistle, and blush. You can even customize some of the elements like the wheel caps and seats in the colors that you want. It’s also just 5.9 kg so it’s pretty light. The creators are hoping that the Zeal walkers will appeal to those who prefer a nicer looking assistive tool.

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There are a lot of walking aids in the market for those who need short-term or medium-term assistance due to some walking-related disability. But of course there’s always room for improvement. Great product designers think about what they can do better for existing products to make it more usable and to improve the quality of life of the users. The Pedestrian is one such product that tries to make using the walking stick more modular and more practical.

Designers: Jonas Krämer and Ayla Warncke

Pedestrian is a 3-in-1 Assistance System for those who need assistance and is actually in between short-term solutions like crutches and long-term assistance systems like wheelchairs. Its goal is to minimize the consequential damages that can sometimes result in using the usual walking aids. They also want to be able to adjust to the needs of the user and when not needed anymore, pass it on to someone who needs it more and adjust to that person’s needs as well.

The walking aid has three modes for the different needs. Mode 1 or strong support is for those that may need an aid as they work through their arthritis. Mode 2 is medium support and serves as forearm crutch. Mode 3 is light support for those who may just need a walking stick. Shifting through these three modes is actually pretty easy and the elements are interchangeable and modular.

The foot or base is made from flexible rubber material and has a textured surface to prevent slipping. It can stand by itself in any mode but can also be compressed. It is also hands-free so you can do other actions and you can make it more secure by using the wrist strap. There is also a mechanism so you can adjust the height so it can be used by users with different heights. This seems to be a pretty useful aid to those that would need assistance walking.

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Life for the visually impaired is not easy as they have to struggle even to get done most of the simplest tasks. Thankfully inclusively designed daily gadgets and devices make their life much easier. Keeping track of time is one of the needs that blind people have to depend on others if they haven’t got the hang of talking watches like the VOICE GRUS, or find them impractical in noisier environments.

A braille watch is the next best option as we saw with the Ehsaas concept watch designed by Nikhil Kapoor. Now, yet another concept envisions the future of timepieces crafted for the visually disabled so that they can lead a normal life.

Designer: Jinkyo Han

It’s about feeling the time tick on your hand as the braille system denoted by the marking on the watch gives the blind idea of the hour and minute of the day exactly. The square-shaped dial of the watch has two overlapping knobs represented by the hours and minutes hands with precise markings to differentiate the two. The inner gear mechanism actuates the movement of these big dials to define the exact time of the day which is important for anyone with visual disability.

While the Blind Watch can be worn on the hand as a wristwatch by securing straps to the metal body, the designer proposes the use of a single strap for it to be used as a hand clock. This makes it easy for the person to carry it in the pocket or secure it around the neck to prevent it from getting misplaced. The watch is a tad bigger for the wrist and will only fit well for people with bigger hands.

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Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have taken another significant step forward in redefining personal tech by earning FDA approval to function as over-the-counter hearing aids. This announcement comes as no surprise given Apple’s continued focus on integrating health-related features into its devices. At $250, the AirPods Pro 2 are positioned as a cost-effective solution compared to traditional hearing aids, which often cost thousands of dollars.

Apple is also helping users become more aware of their hearing health through an integrated, clinically validated hearing test. Conducted right from the AirPods Pro 2 paired with an iPhone, the test takes just five minutes. Users simply respond to tones at varying volumes and frequencies, making it a quick and accessible method to check for early signs of hearing loss. The results are then stored securely in Apple’s Health app, where users can track their hearing health over time and share the data with healthcare providers if needed​. Given that 80% of adults in the U.S. haven’t had their hearing checked in the last five years, according to Apple’s findings, this feature could play a crucial role in detecting hearing problems earlier.

The technology behind this innovation leverages the AirPods Pro 2’s H2 chip. Users can perform these hearing tests right from the iPhone. Once the user completes the hearing test, the AirPods Pro can automatically adjust audio settings to amplify sounds specifically tailored to their hearing profile. This means that whether you’re in a conversation, listening to music, or on a phone call, the AirPods Pro 2 will enhance the sounds that matter most to you, making interactions clearer and more accessible. Unlike traditional hearing aids, which can be costly and often come with limited sound quality, the AirPods Pro 2 offers a more affordable and seamless solution. Apple’s tight integration of hardware and software ensures that users benefit from pro-level sound quality in every aspect, from listening to music to engaging in real-world conversations.

The FDA’s approval followed a clinical study involving 118 participants who experienced mild to moderate hearing loss. According to the results, the self-fitting feature of the AirPods Pro 2 provided comparable benefits to professionally fitted devices, with no adverse effects reported. This breakthrough is part of a broader regulatory shift in the U.S., which, starting in 2022, allowed for over-the-counter hearing aids. This effort was driven by a desire to provide more affordable options for the approximately 30 million Americans who suffer from hearing impairments. With regulatory approvals from bodies like the FDA, the hearing aid functionality will be available in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan, Apple says.

Despite its potential, using AirPods Pro 2 as hearing aids does come with limitations. Traditional hearing aids are designed to be worn for extended periods, offering maximum comfort and effectiveness. While AirPods Pro 2 are known for their comfort, they are still consumer-grade earbuds with a limited battery life lasting just a few hours rather than entire days. Their primary function remains entertainment, and they may not be suitable for people with severe hearing issues. Moreover, this functionality will only be available in the AirPods Pro 2 model, not the more affordable $130 or $180 versions of AirPods 4, which also launched recently.

Nonetheless, this is a critical development for accessibility in personal technology. Compared to traditional hearing aids, which can range from $2,000 to $10,000, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 offer a solution at a fraction of the cost. Although Apple is not known for affordable budget-friendly products, its disruption of this market underscores the need for more affordable health tech options.

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The beauty of my job lies in not just discovering the new and innovative, it’s also in discovering the bizarrely futuristic… and the Bodyfriend Quantum robotic massage chair firmly fits the latter. Spotted at IFA 2024, the chair feels less like your average massage lounger and more like a Gundam suit with a touch of luxury. Nestled in its sleek, premium leather, with built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers, the Quantum manages to blur the line between high-tech gadgetry and a luxury spa. I didn’t think a chair could make me feel this pampered, but after spending some time in it, I’m convinced—this isn’t just a massage chair; it’s a full-fledged bodygasm.

Sinking into the Quantum was like stepping into a different world, where every detail is designed to make you feel like royalty. But what really sets it apart isn’t just the leather or the fancy tech specs—it’s the attention to detail in how it delivers its massages, all while serenading you with crystal-clear audio from none other than Bang & Olufsen. Let’s just say, it’s not your average chair.

Revolutionary Design Meets Functional Innovation

At the core of the Bodyfriend Quantum is its Robo Walking Technology—a first in the industry—that gives each leg its own independent movement. And trust me, it’s not a gimmick. Sitting in the chair, you immediately notice how much more natural and personalized the massage feels, especially around the lower body. My desk-hunched spine and worn-out calves felt like they were getting precisely the kind of treatment they needed. It’s as if the chair knew what my body was asking for before I did.

This independent leg movement is more than just for show—it makes a real difference in how effectively the chair targets specific muscles. Whether you’re using it for muscle recovery or just as a fancy way to unwind after a long day, the Quantum feels like it’s been engineered with a deeper understanding of how to work the human body. After just a few minutes in it, my lower back and legs were thanking me.

Immersive Sound Through Bang & Olufsen Partnership

The partnership with Bang & Olufsen might raise a few eyebrows. Do you really need top-tier audio in a massage chair? After my experience, the answer is a pretty confident yes. The moment I leaned back and let the chair do its thing, the speakers came to life, filling the space around me with rich, immersive sound. Whether you’re into lo-fi beats, classical symphonies, or nature sounds, the high-quality audio adds a layer of relaxation that most massage chairs simply don’t offer.

It doesn’t feel like a bolted-on extra. The audio blends seamlessly with the massage itself, so whether you’re zoning out to music or catching up on your favorite podcast, the chair’s sonic experience pulls you deeper into that calm state. Benny Kang of Bodyfriend mentioned that the speakers can be used to play binaural beats too, stimulating the mind along with your body.

Precision Massage and Intuitive Control

Bodyfriend has packed a lot of tech into this chair, but it’s the execution that stands out. The XD-PRO thermal module and Finger Moving Massage Module work together to give an eerily human-like touch. It doesn’t just knead your muscles in broad strokes; instead, the chair moves in subtle, calculated increments—80 movements in 1.25mm steps to be exact. For someone who carries a lot of tension in their shoulders and lower back, it’s like having a physical therapist who knows exactly where to focus.

Then there are the finer touches—literally. With 81 air pockets wrapping your body and heat therapy zones that bring the warmth up to a balmy 50°C, the Quantum creates an environment that’s both soothing and deeply therapeutic. The heat applied to the back, calves, and soles not only relaxes muscles but also feels fantastic on sore feet, thanks to its three-step foot roller system. It’s an experience that goes beyond simple pampering.

A Touch of Luxury (and Functionality)

The 10-inch Full HD tablet mounted on the chair is intuitive and easy to navigate. There’s no fumbling with a million buttons—you can switch modes, adjust settings, or dive into the chair’s “High-End Healthcare Massage Mode” with just a tap. If you’re someone who likes control over your relaxation routine, this tablet makes it easy to fine-tune everything from intensity to heat levels without pulling you out of the experience.

It’s also worth noting that the Quantum is clearly built for longevity. The leather is buttery-soft yet durable, and the entire build feels solid and well-constructed—something you’d expect for the price tag this chair is likely to carry. But for anyone serious about integrating relaxation or recovery into their daily routine, it’s hard to imagine anything better.

A Luxurious Experience for the Wellness-Focused

The Bodyfriend Quantum is positioned for those who are serious about wellness and ready to invest in high-end healthcare technology. Its meticulous design, advanced massage features, and thoughtful additions like Bang & Olufsen speakers make it a standout product in the luxury massage chair market. While it caters to those with specific muscle stimulation needs—such as the elderly or individuals recovering from injury—it also serves as an indulgent piece of tech for anyone looking to upgrade their relaxation routine.

After my session with the Quantum, I can safely say it delivers on its promise of providing a unique massage experience. I hate to be the cliche, but I’m the millennial with lower back pain (I lugged a laptop bag around through IFA 2024), so even a 5-minute cycle with the Quantum felt like absolute bliss. Sure, it may come with a premium price, but for those looking to pamper themselves or take better care of their health, the Bodyfriend Quantum is like Chandler and Joey’s Barca-lounger on absolute steroids. You’ll probably spend hours in the chair without realizing it.

Now, if only it came with a built-in coffee machine.

The post I Sat In The $15,000 Robotic Massage Chair at IFA 2024: A Luxurious Hands-On with the Bodyfriend Quantum first appeared on Yanko Design.

The idea that light can cure depression goes WAY beyond simple SAD lamps and light-therapy devices for people experiencing seasonal affective disorder during the dark months of winter.

Developed by the Vienna-based startup Syntropic Medical, this device harnesses light-based brain stimulation to offer a drug-free alternative for those who have not found success with conventional antidepressants. Light is shone into the eyes using a set of goggles, while a head-worn apparatus measures its effects – similar to using electromagnetic fields or certain sounds to treat pain, tinnitus, or depression. The approach builds on the premise that light therapy can enhance neuroplasticity—essentially, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. For individuals who have struggled with the side effects of pharmaceuticals or seen little improvement from traditional treatments, this technology could offer a fresh path forward.

Designer: Syntropic

Syntropic’s device leverages flickering lights to target microglial cells in the brain, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy neural circuits. By stimulating these cells, the device encourages them to remodel brain structures associated with depressive disorders. This method addresses a significant challenge in mental health care: some patients’ conditions remain unresponsive to drugs because those treatments may not directly target the underlying brain dynamics causing the disorder. The non-invasive nature of this technology also means it avoids the systemic side effects often linked to antidepressant medications, offering a more tolerable and potentially safer option for long-term use.

Syntropic’s breakthrough has already attracted significant attention and financial backing. In July 2024, the company secured €1.1 million in funding from the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), adding to earlier investments from Xista Science Ventures and AWS. This support not only validates the scientific foundation of the technology but also highlights the growing interest in non-pharmaceutical therapies for mental health. With more resources at their disposal, Syntropic Medical is poised to advance their device through clinical trials and bring it closer to widespread adoption. As the mental health field continues to explore innovative solutions beyond traditional medications, this light-based therapy could represent a crucial development for those seeking alternative ways to manage their depression effectively and safely.

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The Adaptive Controller was just the beginning – Microsoft aims at developing an entire suite of accessible devices for its gamer market. Aside from working alongside other independent controller brands to reveal new devices, Microsoft’s also announced the Adaptive Joystick, a controller that can be hand-held, positioned against your body, or even tripod-mounted, giving all gamers the ability to interface with their games in a manner that’s comfortable, yet responsive enough to give them the edge while gaming.

Designed specifically for gamers with limited mobility, this joystick aims to enhance the already extensive Xbox accessibility ecosystem. Unlike many controllers that rely on a standard form factor, the Xbox Adaptive Joystick breaks away by offering a unique blend of adaptability and modularity. The joystick is a wired companion for the Xbox Adaptive Controller, but it can also function independently, directly connecting to both Xbox consoles and PCs. The design focuses on user flexibility, with customizable buttons and a thumbstick that can be easily adjusted to suit different needs.

Designer: Microsoft

The Xbox Adaptive Joystick includes four programmable buttons, a thumbstick, and two additional buttons for bumper and trigger controls. One of the standout features is the option for users to 3D print thumbstick toppers, allowing them to modify the height, width, and overall feel of the joystick. As highlighted by Kaitlyn Jones, Xbox’s senior accessibility product manager, the design process involved extensive collaboration with the disabled community. Early prototypes were shared with this group for feedback, resulting in a product that addresses specific challenges faced by players with limited mobility.

Incorporating community feedback has been central to the development of the Xbox Adaptive Joystick. During one session at a Seattle hospital, Microsoft engineers brought various prototypes, seeking input on aspects like grip size, button layout, and overall ergonomics. According to Chris Kujawski, a principal designer at Xbox, this iterative process ensured that the final product is not only functional but also intuitive for a wide range of users. The joystick’s versatility is further enhanced by its compatibility with the existing Xbox Adaptive Controller, allowing it to be part of a broader adaptive gaming setup.

Beyond just the joystick, Microsoft is working closely with other accessible hardware innovators. The Proteus controller, which has been refined and optimized for Xbox through this collaboration, showcases this commitment. Additionally, the 8BitDo Lite SE controller offers an alternative for those who require front-facing buttons in a familiar arcade-stick layout. This inclusive hardware ecosystem gives users options that go beyond the traditional controller experience, making gaming more accessible than ever before. As for Microsoft’s own Adaptive Joystick, it hits markets early next year, with a price tag of $29.99.

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Most people assume that it is easy for visually impaired people to learn Braille. But according to those who are learning this system, the learning tools available are not always that intuitive and easy to use. In fact, the more cluttered a device or tool is, the harder it is as it can be overwhelming for those who are trying to learn and navigate it. Fortunately, there are product designers that want to create concepts for better designed tools that will hopefully be turned into actual products.

Designer: SAQ Design

SMARTIO EDU is a concept for a Braille Education Device that uses minimal tactile noise for both teachers and students that are trying to learn Braille. It is designed to optimize the organization of the information that is at the user’s fingertips. They used soft contours for the surfaces of the device and at the same time used tactile hints to help the user read the information through their fingertips.

The device looks like an instrument and in fact, it is, just not one that produces music. There are buttons on top for the various functions and that can serve as navigational aids. The “subtle cues” is able to tell the user the front and back of the device and also where the key interfaces are located. The device is also designed to work with a companion app that the teacher and student can easily follow and engage with.

The designers would of course have consulted with actual Braille learners to determine if this is something that could work even as it is still a concept. But we don’t see a lot of Braille learning devices in the market so if this does become an actual product, it would be a big help to the community.

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