technology archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine https://www.designboom.com/technology/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Thu, 22 Jan 2026 10:13:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 expandable electric camper concept recharges itself without plugging in https://www.designboom.com/technology/expandable-off-grid-electric-camper-recharges-itself-hyundai-staria-concept/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 03:20:43 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1174183 using a solar panel built into the pop-up roof, it can collect energy and produce enough electricity to help run itself as well as some appliances.

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Hyundai STARIA Camper Concept could charge on its own

 

The expandable Hyundai STARIA Camper Concept could recharge itself without plugging in using the built-in solar panel on the off-grid electric vehicle. Built into the roof, the panel can collect energy from the sun and produce electricity to help run a small refrigerator, a portable shower, and the temperature system to keep the cabin cool. 

 

Through this, the driving range of the off-grid electric camper could be extended by adding extra energy to the battery. In good conditions, the battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, which can help power up the appliances as well as make driving the van stay longer. The camper concept is a new addition to the STARIA lineup of the manufacturer, a sibling of its multi-purpose vehicle.

off-grid electric camper
all images courtesy of Hyundai

 

 

Smart glass in the rear of expandable off-grid electric camper

 

The design of the off-grid electric camper concept STARIA starts with the people carrier, which has a smooth, rounded shape that looks more like a spaceship than a traditional van. It helps the vehicle move easily through the air, which saves energy and reduces wind noise. Above the vehicle, the power-operated pop-up roof can expand. When the vehicle is parked, the roof can rise at the push of a button, and it creates more headroom inside and makes the space feel brighter, more open, and wider.

 

Inside, the STARIA Camper Concept could look like a small living room. At the front, there are two large captain’s chairs, which can turn around by themselves using electric controls. Once they are turned, the front and back of the cabin connect into one shared space where people can sit, talk, or relax together. At the back, the seats can fold flat with the push of a button, turning the cabin into a sleeping area for two people. To improve privacy, Hyundai adds smart glass in the rear windows, so it can change from clear to dark using a touchscreen, helping block sunlight, reduce heat, and lower noise from outside. So far, the off-grid electric camper is still a concept, and viewers can see its prototype at the 2026 CMT trade fair in Stuttgart, which runs between January 17th and 25th.

off-grid electric camper
there’s a pull-out shelter from the roof

off-grid electric camper
the pop-up roof extended upwards

off-grid electric camper
a portable shower is embedded into the vehicle

off-grid electric camper
a small dining table can be set up from the rear

off-grid electric camper
built into the roof, the panel can collect energy from the sun

off-grid-electric-camper-expandable-roof-recharge-hyundai-staria-designboom-ban

the seats can fold and transform into a bed

 

project info:

 

name: STARIA Camper Concept

manufacturer: Hyundai | @hyundai

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wearable smart necklace could help stroke patients speak again https://www.designboom.com/technology/wearable-smart-necklace-helps-patients-stroke-speak-again-revoice/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:50:28 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1174090 named revoice, the device was created to help the patients communicate in a more natural way without surgery or brain implants.

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Sensors collect signals for wearable smart necklace revoice 

 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed Revoice, a wearable smart necklace that helps patients who suffered from stroke speak naturally again. The device was created to help the patients communicate in a more natural way without surgery or brain implants in hopes of bringing their old voices back. It is a soft, flexible wearable device that looks like a fabric choker worn around the neck. From the textile, it is lightweight, comfortable, and can be washed like regular clothing. The modest design allows users to not feel like they’re wearing medical equipment. 

 

The wearable smart necklace Revoice aims to turn silent or unclear speech movements into clear, full sentences that other people can understand, working in real time, so users can take part in conversations. Revoice uses ultra-sensitive sensors to collect signals from the body. First, they pick up tiny vibrations from the throat muscles when a person mouths words, even if no sound comes out. Second, they measure the person’s heart rate, which can give clues about their emotional state, such as stress or frustration.

wearable smart necklace revoice
all images courtesy of the researchers and University of Cambridge

 

 

AI systems turn short phrases into full sentences

 

The signals collected by the sensors are sent to two artificial intelligence systems, also called AI agents. Each AI agent has a different job. The first AI focuses on speech reconstruction, and it takes the small throat movements from silently mouthed words and figures out what words the person is trying to say. Even if the person can only mouth a few short words, the AI can recognize them. The researchers say that the second AI looks at emotion and context. It uses heart rate data and simple information like the time of day or the situation to understand how the person might be feeling. For example, a faster heart rate could mean stress or discomfort.

 

This AI helps turn short phrases into full, natural sentences that match the person’s feelings and situation. In a small study with five stroke patients who had dysarthria, the wearable smart necklace Revoice shows that the device made very few mistakes, with low word and sentence error rates. The researchers add that the participants reported feeling more satisfied and more confident when communicating. In an example, a patient mouthed the words ‘We go hospital,’ and the wearable smart necklace Revoice turned this into a full sentence, explaining that the person wanted to go to the hospital because it was late. So far, the device is still in a prototype phase, and with more testing and future improvements, it can improve the recovery of patients who have suffered from stroke.

wearable smart necklace revoice
it is a soft, flexible wearable device that looks like a fabric choker worn around the neck

wearable smart necklace revoice
the wearable smart necklace Revoice aims to turn silent or unclear speech movements into clear, full sentences

wearable smart necklace revoice
the device uses ultra-sensitive sensors to collect signals from the body

the AI systems help turn short phrases into full, natural sentences
the AI systems help turn short phrases into full, natural sentences

 

project info:

 

name: Revoice

institution: University of Cambridge | @cambridgeuniversity

Researchers: Chenyu Tang, Shuo Gao, Cong Li, Wentian Yi, Yuxuan Jin, Xiaoxue Zhai, Sixuan Lei, Hongbei Meng, Zibo Zhang, Muzi Xu, Shengbo Wang, Xuhang Chen, Chenxi Wang, Hongyun Yang, Ningli Wang, Wenyu Wang, Jin Cao, Xiaodong Feng, Peter Smielewski, Yu Pan, Wenhui Song, Martin Birchall, Luigi G. Occhipinti

study: here

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wearable airbag inflates around biker’s body during sudden crashes and accidents https://www.designboom.com/technology/wearable-airbag-inflates-bikers-body-crashes-accidents-aerobag/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:45:19 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1174024 an integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing, aerobag is also designed to be reusable.

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Meet aerobag, a reusable and wearable airbag for bikers

 

Wearable airbag inflates around bikers’ bodies during sudden crashes and accidents after racing at high speeds. An integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing, Aerobag is also designed to be reusable. Each time it deploys, users only replace the cartridge that inflates the airbag, while the textile can be washed after use.

 

Instead of being worn as a separate vest or jacket, the wearable airbag for bikers is hidden inside the shoulder straps of cycling bib shorts, making it almost invisible when they’re racing. There is no bulky gear and no extra layers flapping in the wind. From the outside, the only visible sign is a small bump on the rider’s back, where the air cartridge is stored. The accessory is also lightweight, so cyclists don’t need to carry so much weight during the race.

wearable airbag bikers
all images courtesy of Aerobag

 

 

Sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory

 

Aerobag focuses on protecting the most vulnerable and important parts of the body during a serious crash, including the neck, the spine and back, and the chest during a front impact. Inside the wearable airbag for bikers are nine high-precision sensors that are always active while the rider is moving. They track things like body position, speed, acceleration, and movement patterns, and the sensors check the rider’s motion 200 times every second, which allows the system to notice even very fast changes.

 

All this data is sent to the in-house algorithm, which looks for movement patterns that match real crash situations. When it detects something that looks like a crash, the system reacts, and the accessory deploys in less than 100 milliseconds. The wearable airbag for bikers inflates its protective air chamber around the rider’s upper body, a cushion that absorbs impact forces and reduces stress on the neck, back, and chest. After deployment, the airbag deflates, allowing the rider to move freely again or the emergency personnel to attend to them quickly. So far, the pre-registration is open for the Aerobag’s wearable airbag for bikers, and there’s no official date yet on its release.

wearable airbag bikers
it is an integrated airbag system built directly into cycling clothing

wearable airbag bikers
Aerobag is also designed to be reusable

wearable airbag bikers
the wearable airbag for bikers is hidden inside the shoulder straps of cycling bib shorts

sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory immediately
sensors detect crashes and deploy the accessory immediately

Aerobag focuses on the neck, the spine and back, and the chest
Aerobag focuses on the neck, the spine and back, and the chest

 

 

 

project info:

 

design: Aerobag | @aerobag.eu

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retro café racer with front shell draws design from 1950s british racing motorcycles https://www.designboom.com/technology/retro-cafe-racer-design-1950s-british-racing-motorcycles-ciulator-compass-rose/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:20:50 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1173454 the two-wheeler’s design and overall silhouette are grounded in the visual and mechanical language of the café racers from that era.

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Compass Rose’s ciulator is a retro-looking café racer

 

Meet Ciulator by Compass Rose, a retro café racer with a front shell that draws design from 1950s British racing motorcycles. Dubbed a flagship motorcycle created for collectors, its design and overall silhouette are grounded in the visual and mechanical language of 1950s British café racers. The body sits low and long, with a horizontal line running from the front fairing through the fuel tank and into the rear cowl. This stretched stance reflects how riders back in the day lowered their bikes to reduce wind resistance and improve stability at speed. 

 

The Ciulator keeps this proportion intact, making the bike inspired by 1950s British racing motorcycles look compact. At the front, the full nose fairing is one of the most direct references to motorcycles of the previous era. The two-wheeler’s fairing wraps tightly around the front wheel and forks, with a narrow opening for airflow and a clear windscreen positioned low over the handlebars. This design forces the rider into a tucked riding position, which was standard practice in 1950s road racing.

1950s british racing motorcycles
all images courtesy of Compass Rose

 

 

two-wheeler inspired by 1950s british racing motorcycles

 

The handlebars of the bike inspired by 1950s British racing motorcycles appear low and close to the front end, similar to clip-on bars used by café racers. The fuel tank continues the historical reference, with its elongated shape mirroring the hand-formed tanks seen on classic British machines. The tank also narrows toward the seat, allowing the rider’s knees to grip the bike firmly. Behind it, the single-seat configuration reinforces the café racer identity. In the 1950s, riders removed passenger seats and excess parts to save weight. The Ciulator by the Korean brand Compass Rose follows this idea with a solo saddle that transitions into a raised rear cowl.

 

This rear section visually completes the bike’s streamlined form while signaling that the machine is built for one rider and one purpose: speed. The engine, suspension, and exhaust are hidden behind panels, still harking back to the designs of the 1950s British racing motorcycles. The wheels and tires further connect the bike to its historical roots, as the narrow tire profile matches the proportions used in early racing. By focusing on classic parts, reduced structure, and a racing-oriented layout, the Ciulator by Compass Rose positions itself as a modern object shaped by 1950s British racing motorcycle tradition.

1950s british racing motorcycles
meet Ciulator by Compass Rose, a retro café racer that draws design from 1950s British racing motorcycles

1950s british racing motorcycles
the body sits low and long, with a horizontal line running from the front fairing

1950s british racing motorcycles
the two-wheeler’s fairing wraps tightly around the front wheel and forks

the engine, suspension, and exhaust are hidden behind panels
the engine, suspension, and exhaust are hidden behind panels

 

 

project info:

 

name: Ciulator

brand: Compass Rose | @compassrose.official

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eco sports car by mazda captures and recycles carbon emissions while driving https://www.designboom.com/technology/eco-sports-car-mazda-captures-recycles-carbon-emissions-concept-vision-x-coupe/ Fri, 16 Jan 2026 03:45:41 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1173392 equipped with the mobile carbon capture technology, the vehicle filters out the carbon dioxide directly from the exhaust system.

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Carbon capture technology in mazda’s eco concept sports car

 

Mazda has unveiled the eco concept sports car Vision X-Coupe that can capture and recycle carbon emissions the more it drives around. Equipped with the Mobile Carbon Capture technology developed by the manufacturer, the vehicle filters out the carbon dioxide directly from the exhaust system. Normally, cars release carbon dioxide into the air through their exhaust, serving as one of the main gases that causes climate change. Mazda’s idea is to catch some of this gas before it escapes into the atmosphere, and by integrating the technology into the exhaust, it allows the eco concept sports car to capture the emissions more efficiently.

 

Inside the device is a material called zeolite, a porous mineral with tiny holes. These holes act like a sponge for the carbon dioxide, so as the exhaust flows through the eco concept sports car, it absorbs the harmful gases and holds onto them. Later, the captured carbon can be removed and reused instead of being released into the air because Mazda wants to recycle the captured carbon instead of letting it go to waste. The company says that the recycled gases can be used to support plant growth, such as in farming or greenhouses, as well as turn them into high-performance carbon materials, which are used in many industries, including the automotive.

eco concept sports car
all images courtesy of Mazda

 

 

manufacturer tests carbon capture technology on racetrack

 

To test if the Mobile Carbon Capture technology works in real life, Mazda tried it out in motorsports. The team installed the system on a Mazda3 race car competing in Japan’s Super Taikyu endurance racing series, and during a four-hour race at Fuji International Speedway, the system successfully absorbed carbon dioxide from the exhaust while the car was running at high speed. This test also shows that the technology can survive heat, vibration, and long driving times, and Mazda plans to continue testing the system to capture even more emissions in the future.

 

Cars are a major source of carbon emissions worldwide. While electric vehicles are growing, many gasoline and hybrid cars are expected to still be on the road for years to come. There is no single solution to climate change, but vehicles like the eco concept sports car can help support a multi-solution approach, combining electric vehicles, cleaner engines, carbon-neutral fuels, and carbon capture technology. Mazda aims to become carbon neutral by 2050, adding the Vision X-Coupe to its growing list of vehicles that contribute fewer emissions to the environment. Recently, the manufacturer unveiled the concept vehicle during the Japan Mobility Show 2025.

eco concept sports car
Mazda has unveiled the eco concept sports car Vision X-Coupe that can capture and recycle carbon emissions

eco concept sports car
rear view of the vehicle

eco concept sports car
the vehicle is equipped with the Mobile Carbon Capture technology developed by the manufacturer

eco concept sports car
Mazda’s idea is to catch some of the harmful gas before it escapes into the atmosphere

eco concept sports car
view of the vehicle’s front wheel

eco-sports-car-mazda-capture-recycle-carbon-emissions-japan-mobility-show-2025-designboom-ban

the manufacturer unveiled the automobile at Japan Mobility Show 2025

interior view of the vehicle
interior view of the vehicle

a landscape screen is positioned within the dashboard
a landscape screen is positioned within the dashboard

view of the Mobile Carbon Capture technology installed in the exhaust system
view of the Mobile Carbon Capture technology installed in the exhaust system

eco-sports-car-mazda-capture-recycle-carbon-emissions-japan-mobility-show-2025-designboom-ban2

the company says that the recycled gases can be used to support plant growth

 

project info:

 

name: Vision X-Coupe

manufacturer: Mazda | @mazdausa, @mazdaeurope

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AI can’t generate correct analog clocks to tell time, and here’s why https://www.designboom.com/technology/ai-cant-generate-correct-analog-clocks-tell-time-why-01-14-2026/ Wed, 14 Jan 2026 03:45:45 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172964 one reason is because the system can’t yet understand the movement of the hands or the idea of time in a physical sense.

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AI gets the correct time less than one out of four times

 

Artificial intelligence can fulfill several requests except generating and drawing the correct analog clocks to tell time. It seems strange since clocks are everywhere, and they look simple to produce even digitally. AI systems have also seen millions of clock pictures and read lots of explanations about how clocks work using their own language models, but still, when scientists test AI to produce images and working correct analog clocks, the results are poor.

 

In many tests, AI gets the correct time less than one out of four times. Based on the studies, a common mistake when scientists use AI to generate the correct analog clocks is mixing up the hour hand and the minute hand. Sometimes the system imagines hands that are not really there, hence creating awry-looking and displaced hands. They also tend to show the time as 10:10, even when that is clearly wrong. This happens because many clocks in ads and photos are set to 10:10, so the AI learns to copy that pattern instead of actually reading the clock.

AI correct analog clocks
all images courtesy of AI World Clocks by Brian Moore

 

 

Why can’t AI generate the correct analog clocks?

 

The main problem why AI can’t generate the correct analog clocks is that it doesn’t truly see clocks the way people do. When a person looks at a clock, they understand that the hands move in circles and that their positions are connected to time passing. AI does not understand this movement or the idea of time in a physical sense. It only recognizes patterns from pictures and words it has seen before. Some studies have noted that the software also understands clocks through language, not real experience. It has read sentences like ‘the minute hand points to 12,’ but it does not understand angles, rotation, or how gears work inside a clock. 

 

So when it tries to create or read a clock, it guesses based on what looks familiar, not on how a clock works. This is why AI often draws clocks with numbers in the wrong places or letters that look like messy symbols instead of real numbers, as shown in this project by Brian Moore, inspired by the idea of the programmer Matthew Rayfield. On the site, the creative director displays clocks that have been generated by nine different AI models, which change every minute. These generated time-telling tools can prove that AI can’t always produce the correct analog clocks, just accurate-looking ones, and even so, they come out quite rarely and downgrade again after a minute.

AI correct analog clocks
AI can fulfill several requests except generating and drawing the correct analog clocks

 

 

AI is good at copying, not understanding

 

Another big reason for these mistakes is that AI does not have a ‘world model,’ meaning it cannot imagine how things change over time. It cannot think, ‘if one minute passes, the minute hand moves a little.’ Instead, it treats each image as a still picture. Because of this, it sometimes creates clocks that could never exist in real life. Researchers see this clock problem as an important lesson. 

 

It shows that AI is good at copying appearances but not at understanding how things function. Some scientists are trying to fix this by teaching AI rules, using math or code to draw clocks correctly, or giving it guides that show where the hands and numbers should go. For now, producing correct analog clocks remains a tough challenge for AI, a reminder that just because a machine can recognize a pattern doesn’t mean it can truly understand it. 

AI correct analog clocks
in many tests, AI gets the correct time less than one out of four times

AI correct analog clocks
a common mistake is mixing up the hour hand and the minute hand

sometimes the system imagines hands, numbers, and signs that are not there
sometimes the system imagines hands, numbers, and signs that are not there

other times, the numbers appear at different positions
other times, the numbers appear at different positions

the main problem is that AI doesn’t truly see clocks the way people do
the main problem is that AI doesn’t truly see clocks the way people do

AI-generate-correct-analog-clocks-tell-time-designboom-ban

AI also doesn’t have a ‘world model’

 

project info:

 

name: AI World Clocks

design: Brian Moore | @lanewinfield

idea: Matthew Rayfield | @realmatthewrayfield

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autonomous flying umbrella follows and shields users from rain and sunlight https://www.designboom.com/technology/autonomous-flying-umbrella-follows-users-rain-sunlight-i-build-stuff-01-13-2026/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 11:00:26 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172821 an updated version of the remote-controlled one, the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go.

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Upgrading the flying umbrella with autonomous capabilities

 

John Tse of I Build Stuff creates an autonomous flying umbrella that follows and shields the users from rain and sunlight. An updated version of the remote-controlled one, the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go, keeping them dry and cool without needing to hold anything. The autonomous flying umbrella is a drone disguised as an everyday object. Its design keeps the familiar shape of a normal umbrella but hides flying technology just under the yellow surface. Four propellers are mounted around the material using a custom internal frame, and they provide the lift and control, just like a quadcopter drone. 

 

The creator admits that attaching them is one of the design challenges of the autonomous flying umbrella. It’s because the umbrella’s center rod is the only strong part, but mounting everything directly there would make it bulky and hard to carry. The solution was folding arms, where each propeller sits on an arm that folds inward when not in use and locks firmly into place when opened. This allows the flying umbrella to stay compact when carried and stable when flying. The locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking and keep everything tight during flight.

autonomous flying umbrella
all images courtesy of I Build Stuff

 

 

Camera detects the user’s position in 3D

 

The most important feature of the autonomous flying umbrella, however, is its ability to hover on its own. The project was not just about flying, since the creator already did that, but about following a person automatically. To do this, the designer first built a smaller test drone, which made it easier to experiment without risking the large umbrella frame. The tracking system went through many versions, including regular cameras, GPS, and finally a time-of-flight depth camera. The latter works by sending out light and measuring how it reflects back, creating a depth image instead of a flat picture. It allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D, even in low light. A Raspberry Pi processes this depth data and figures out where the person’s head is. It then sends instructions to the flight controller, telling the umbrella which direction to move so it stays centered above the person.

 

Most of the structural parts were made using 3D printing as well as robust materials like carbon-fiber nylon. Advanced 3D printers made it possible to produce precise hinges, locking mechanisms, and a central hub that connects the whole system to the umbrella. Inside the autonomous flying umbrella is a collection of electronics that make it work. There’s also a professional flight controller that acts as the brain, keeping the device balanced in the air while an embedded GPS helps it hold position outdoors. The project faced many failures. Parts broke, software didn’t work, components disconnected, and entire systems had to be replaced. But after nearly a year of work, the autonomous flying umbrella finally succeeded. It could hover, follow a person, and even fly in heavy rain. It was not perfect, but it worked, and with this, the project became more about making an idea a real, functional object.

autonomous flying umbrella
the hands-free device hovers above the user and trails them wherever they go

autonomous flying umbrella
four propellers are mounted around the material using a custom internal frame

autonomous flying umbrella
each propeller sits on an arm that folds inward when not in use

the locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking
the locking system uses hinges, rubber bands, and carefully designed plates to reduce shaking

the installed camera allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D
the installed camera allows the system to detect a person’s position in 3D

autonomous-flying-umbrella-follows-users-i-build-stuff-designboom-ban

most of the structural parts were made using 3D printing

 

project info:

 

name: Autonomous flying umbrella

channel: I Build Stuff | @ibuildstuff_yt

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mobile app converts spoken words into printed stickers with braille for the visually impaired https://www.designboom.com/technology/mobile-app-converts-spoken-words-printed-stickers-braille-visually-impaired-nemonic-dot-ces-2026-01-13-2026/ Tue, 13 Jan 2026 03:45:31 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172719 once the text is ready, there’s an accompanying compact printer that produces the labels with braille using a proprietary pressing mechanism.

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mobile app lets the visually impaired print labels

 

Concept Nemonic Dot comes in two: a printer and a mobile app that converts spoken and typed words into printed stickers and labels with Braille for the visually impaired. With this, users can create labels by typing or using voice input, and the app also provides contextual keyword suggestions, which helps reduce mistakes and improves clarity. Because the translation is handled automatically, users do not need to understand Braille rules or formatting.

 

Once the text is ready using the mobile app, the accompanying device produces Braille using a proprietary pressing mechanism, which creates raised dots that are 0.6 millimeters high, matching international Braille standards. The uniform height and spacing of the dots ensure that the Braille is comfortable and easy to read for the visually impaired users. The printer itself is designed to be used without sight, so its physical form uses tactile textures, allowing the visually impaired users to operate it independently after using the mobile app.

mobile app visually impaired
all images courtesy of Mangoslab

 

 

Compact printer uses pressing mechanism for the braille

 

Aside from the dedicated mobile app, the design of the printer is user-friendly for the visually impaired. In fact, the design team at Mangoslab says that loading cartridges, aligning materials, and activating printing can all be done through touch. The machine features an eyes-free design to support the full independence of the users and avoid the need for assistance. The device is also battery-powered and connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, so it does not need a fixed workspace or wired setup. 

This makes it suitable for homes, pharmacies, schools, offices, and public buildings, and its compact size allows it to be carried and used in daily routines, such as labeling food, medicine, documents, or equipment. Once applied to the real-world scenarios, both the mobile app and the printer can help the visually impaired be more aware of the labels around them. They can print the expiration dates for their food, mark their household items, and even label their personal items. The team behind Nemonic Dot, the Mangoslab, introduced the compact device at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, and so far, there’s no news yet on the concept device’s potential availability.

mobile app visually impaired
Nemonic Dot comes as a printer and mobile app for the visually impaired

mobile app visually impaired
detailed view of the printer with metal label tape

mobile app visually impaired
the app also provides contextual keyword suggestions

the sticker tapes can be made of different materials like metal
the sticker tapes can be made of different materials like metal

 

 

project info:

 

name: Nemonic Dot

design: Mangoslab | @nemonic.kr

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no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles https://www.designboom.com/technology/no-driver-no-wheel-worlds-first-retractable-steering-wheel-vehicles-autonomous-ces-2026-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 11:20:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172419 the design is a response to automated driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input.

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retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles

 

Autoliv and Tensor introduce a retractable steering wheel designed for autonomous vehicles, fully disappearing when the car drives itself. Unveiled at CES 2026, the design responds to automated riding, especially Level 4 driving, where the vehicle can manage all driving tasks within certain conditions without human input. The retractable steering wheel is co-developed with Tensor’s Robocar autonomous driving system. When the vehicle switches into Level 4 autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts, clearing the driver’s area. This creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area to function more like a living or working space rather than a traditional cockpit. 

 

When manual driving is required, the steering wheel folds back into place, restoring a familiar driving setup. The airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode. A passenger airbag integrated into the instrument panel is activated when the steering wheel is retracted, while when the steering wheel is in use, the airbag inside the wheel is enabled instead. Autoliv says both configurations have the same level of protection, allowing safety systems to match the driving mode rather than relying on a single fixed layout.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
all images courtesy of Autoliv and Tensor

 

 

Users can choose between manual and self-driving

 

The design of the retractable steering wheel shies away from fixed, one-size-fits-all vehicle interiors. Autoliv’s Chief Technology Officer Fabien Dumont says that safety systems now need to adapt to different driving situations and user needs. Tensor CEO Jay Xiao adds that while full self-driving offers new experiences, many people still want the option to drive manually. The project is presented as a way to support both preferences in one vehicle. The folding mechanism design by the two companies helps users learn when and how autonomous systems operate. 

 

When the wheel retracts, it signals clearly that the vehicle is in full self-driving mode, and as soon as it comes back, it indicates that human attention is needed. The extra space created when the steering wheel retracts also improves comfort for users who are not actively driving. For passengers who are nervous about autonomous systems, the ability to sit back with more legroom and fewer controls in front of them can make the experience feel less like driving and more like being transported. So far, the Tensor Robocar featuring the retractable steering wheel, will be offered in the US, EU, and Middle East markets after the CES 2026.

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the wheel folds into the driver’s dashboard

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the system creates more space in the cabin and allows the front seat area

retractable steering wheel autonomous
the airbag system changes depending on whether the vehicle is in autonomous or manual mode

 

 

project info:

 

name: Retractable steering wheel

companies: Autoliv, Tensor | @autolivinc, @tensor.auto

The post no driver, no wheel: world’s first retractable steering wheel is made for autonomous vehicles appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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gamesir’s pocket taco converts your smartphone into a retro-style handheld console https://www.designboom.com/technology/gamesir-pocket-taco-convert-smartphone-retro-handheld-console-01-09-2026/ Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:01:29 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1172323 once a smartphone is inserted, the pocket taco mimics the experience of a classic arcade format as gamesir leans on 8-bit nostalgia.

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pocket taco: the nostalgic handheld console reimagined

 

At CES 2026, GameSir unveiled its Pocket Taco, a device that feels familiar at first glance. The compact controller’s proportions echo early handheld gaming consoles while adapting to the dimensions of a smartphone. Held upright, the device frames the screen vertically to mimic the experience of a classic arcade format, leaning on 8-bit nostalgia through its posture and scale.

 

That familiarity extends to the way the Pocket Taco asks to be used. A smartphone snaps into a clamp-style grip, thus transforming into a self-contained handheld. Once seated, the screen sits close to the controls to create a focused playing field which nods to the gameboy-like consoles of decades past.

gamesir pocket taco
image via GameSir

 

 

gamesir’s intuitive layout

 

GameSir designs its Pocket Taco with a straightforward control layout. ABXY buttons, a d-pad, and shoulder controls sit within easy reach. The spacing encourages relaxed grip positions, allowing thumbs to move naturally without stretching across the surface. While it’s capable for longer play, the experience favors immediacy so that it’s accessible for first-time users.

 

Power comes from an internal battery, allowing the Pocket Taco to operate independently from the phone. A hollowed base keeps the charging port accessible, so play can continue even while the phone charges.

gamesir pocket taco
images via GameSir

 

 

designed to move with you

 

At pocket scale, the Pocket Taco emphasizes mobility. Its low weight and compact footprint make it easy to carry, supported by a simple storage case that protects the controller between sessions. Folded down, it slips easily into a jacket or bag, reinforcing its role as something meant to travel rather than stay docked at home.

 

In use, that portability translates into flexibility. The controller can be taken out, set up, and put away with little effort, fitting into short breaks or longer commutes alike. The experience feels casual and repeatable, shaped around moments rather than extended setups.

gamesir pocket taco
image via GameSir

 

 

restrained colors and surface materials

 

Color and material choices reinforce the Pocket Taco’s calm presence. A soft gray body and muted buttons reference arcade hardware without relying on overt decoration. The vintage influence comes through proportion and texture, allowing the controller to feel contemporary while carrying visual cues from earlier eras.

 

Details stay understated. Buttons, d-pad, and triggers sit flush with the shell, offering clear tactile feedback without visual noise. No single element dominates, allowing the overall form to remain cohesive and quiet.

 

The clamp area introduces a softer note through silicone padding. This layer protects the phone while also adding comfort, balancing the harder geometry of the shell. It acknowledges that the controller shares space with a device already marked by daily use, aligning the Pocket Taco with that same rhythm.


image via GameSir

 

 

The Pocket Taco is available for pre-order from GameSir at an estimated price of $35 USD, with shipments scheduled to begin on March 15th, 2026.


image via GameSir

 

 

project info:

 

name: Pocket Taco

brand: Gamesir

The post gamesir’s pocket taco converts your smartphone into a retro-style handheld console appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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