Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Fri, 05 Jul 2024 01:48:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 The Tekto A5 Spry Mini is a Tiny yet Mighty OTF Knife with a Tactical Demeanor https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/the-tekto-a5-spry-mini-is-a-tiny-yet-mighty-otf-knife-with-a-tactical-demeanor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-tekto-a5-spry-mini-is-a-tiny-yet-mighty-otf-knife-with-a-tactical-demeanor Fri, 05 Jul 2024 01:45:22 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497079

The Tekto A5 Spry Mini is a Tiny yet Mighty OTF Knife with a Tactical Demeanor

Good things come in small packages – this one measures just over 3 inches and packs a powerful blade deployed using one of the most...
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Good things come in small packages – this one measures just over 3 inches and packs a powerful blade deployed using one of the most satisfying mechanisms ever. Meet the Tekto A5 Spry Mini, a compact pocket blade with the company’s signature OTF mechanism that lets you deploy your cutting edge with a simple push of a button.

Named after its elder brother the A5 Spry, this mini marvel compresses everything that was great about its predecessor into a more compact, pocket-friendly package. While the original A5 Spry measured a nifty 4.9 inches when closed (and 8.6 inches when open), the A5 Spry Mini condenses it all into a 3.2-inch package that opens up to 5.3 inches, giving you a knife that’s smaller, lighter, more maneuverable, just as strong, and with the same satisfying OTF mechanism that deploys a titanium-coated S35VN steel blade, along with a tungsten steel glass-breaker on the rear to get you out of any sort of emergency.

Designer: Tekto

Click Here to Buy Now: $153 $179.99 (Use coupon code “Yanko15” to get $26.99 off). Hurry, deal end in 48-hours!

Tekto A5 Spry vs. A5 Spry Mini

The A5 Spry Mini’s all-metal design is a pleasure for the eyes and the hands. You’ve got a handle machined out of 6061-T6 Aluminum, offering a cool, confident grip thanks to its ergonomic, ambidextrous design. Weighing a little more than knives with G10 or carbon fiber handles, the A5 Spry Mini gives you the confidence of a slightly larger knife while still being deviously compact. A single contoured switch helps deploy its blade, while pushing the switch back retracts the blade back into the handle. The process feels so incredibly tactile and satisfying I wouldn’t be surprised if you never wanted to buy a different flipper knife ever again.

Drop Point Blade

Dagger Blade

Tanto Blade

With the A5 Spry Mini, you have 3 blade styles to choose from – a Dagger-style blade with dual edges, a conventional Drop-point blade that’s an industry standard, and a Tanto-style blade with a faceted edge. You can choose the blade type depending on what you predominantly use your EDC knives for. The dagger style is a great tactical option, the drop-point is arguably the most classic of the lot, and the tanto blade is conventional with a twist. The blade itself is crafted from premium S35VN steel, known for its robustness and edge-retention, and further coated with a titanium layer to make the blades even stronger than before.

Equipped with a tungsten steel ball glass breaker for maximum effectiveness in emergencies. The new design ensures quick, efficient glass shattering, providing reliable safety and accessibility when every second counts.

Forged with a premium S35VN steel and coated in titanium, the A5 Spry Mini blade offers unparalleled durability and edge retention, ensuring reliability and peak performance in any situation.

Move your eyes away from the blade and you see that the A5 Spry Mini’s body comes with a few more surprises, from an ambidextrous pocket clip that can attach itself to either the left or right side of the blade depending on your dominant hand. The rear has one last flourish in the form of a tungsten steel glass breaker that lets you strike at even reinforced or laminated glass (like the ones on cars), causing it to shatter at the point of impact. Absolutely ideal to have in the glove box of your car or even on your person, the A5 Spry Mini is one of those miniature miracles that can be quite a life-saver whether it’s escaping emergencies, surviving tactical or self-defense situations, or just using a folding knife for mundane activities like opening parcels, cutting fruits/veggies, or scraping flint to start a fire. Don’t worry, the mundane won’t feel that way for long given how much hands-on fun Tekto’s OTF mechanism is!

Click Here to Buy Now: $153 $179.99 (Use coupon code “Yanko15” to get $26.99 off). Hurry, deal end in 48-hours!

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This Technological Center In China Is A Man-Made Mountain With Terraces & Hanging Gardens https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/this-technological-center-in-china-is-a-man-made-mountain-with-terraces-hanging-gardens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-technological-center-in-china-is-a-man-made-mountain-with-terraces-hanging-gardens Thu, 04 Jul 2024 23:30:52 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497025

This Technological Center In China Is A Man-Made Mountain With Terraces & Hanging Gardens

Stefano Boeri Architetti, the designer of the acclaimed Vertical Forests was commissioned to build a new technology museum in Xi’an, China. This anticipated structure will...
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Stefano Boeri Architetti, the designer of the acclaimed Vertical Forests was commissioned to build a new technology museum in Xi’an, China. This anticipated structure will serve as a tree-covered man-made mountain, allowing visitors to explore on the top, and immerse themselves in nature in the midst of a chaotic metropolis. Dubbed the Culture CBD Modern Technology Experience Center, the building features a unique hilly form that is inspired by the area’s topography, including the mountains, rivers, and the rugged valley.

Designer: Stefano Boeri Architetti

The building will have a curving concrete form amped with expansive glazing on the front-facing facade. The facade will be marked with horizontal slats for shading. The rooftop will feature a stepped exterior and include terraces and walkways, including loads of plants and trees. They will also contain different kinds of shrubs, as well as perennial herbs. Visitors can ascend to the top, and they will be welcomed by beautiful hanging gardens, as well as a massive viewing platform that offers serene views of the city.

“On the roof, the project includes a hanging garden in continuity with the park and a system of terraces that allows visitors to climb up to the building and gain a new look at the surrounding urban panorama,” said Stefano Boeri Architetti. “The green terraces accessible to citizens will be an integral part of the museum’s cultural program of events (the different areas will host screenings, activities, shows, and performances) – as well as offering citizens a new public outdoor space, with unprecedented views of the park and the city. ”

As you enter the museum, you will be greeted by four main exhibition spaces, as well as a temporary exhibition area, and multiple commercial zones. The various sections will be linked by a big double-height central atrium. The decor of the interiors will feature a vibrant and bright blue hue, which was selected on account of its significance and heavy usage in digital design and art. This is a popular choice in the world of digital design, and once you start looking out for it, you’ll find that it is quite widespread.

Currently, nature-inspired architecture in on the rise in China, and the cultural center will be another invaluable and wonderful addition. Although currently, we don’t know when it will be completed, the project is being headed by Stefano Boeri Architetti’s China-based satellite branch, instead of the main Italian studio.

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This Crystal Fragment turns everything you see into 8-bit Pixel Art, and it’s FASCINATING https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/this-crystal-fragment-turns-everything-you-see-into-8-bit-pixel-art-and-its-fascinating/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-crystal-fragment-turns-everything-you-see-into-8-bit-pixel-art-and-its-fascinating Thu, 04 Jul 2024 22:30:06 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497973

This Crystal Fragment turns everything you see into 8-bit Pixel Art, and it’s FASCINATING

There is no denying that modern graphic resolutions have reached unachievable heights. Yet, there are many with an emotional connect to pixelated style: an art...
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There is no denying that modern graphic resolutions have reached unachievable heights. Yet, there are many with an emotional connect to pixelated style: an art form that rekindles memories of early computers and video game graphics. If you’re one of them, who rejoices the blurring the lines between analog and digital, you can (when available) lay hands on the Pixel Mirror that creates an inverted pixel image of what’s behind it.

The wearable Pixel Mirror, developed by Hakusi Katei aka Monoli, a Japanese material designer and Ph.D. in engineering, is a crystal that reduces the resolution of what’s behind it – regardless of distance and movement – leaving you with a pixel art of what you are looking at.

Designer: Monoli

Made from light-colored transparent crystal in forest green, gray, and colorless variant, the Pixel Mirror is designed for use in bright environments. While for some of us, it’s only a gimmicky wearable (more on the aspect later) it might have real utility for artists and painters, who can leverage from the immediate, readable fat swatches of the scene behind the prism you’re looking through.

The Pixel Mirror measures 16mm x 16mm x 10mm, which means it’s small enough to be worn as a pendant in a necklace. Monoli’s series of wearable and handheld prisms are all handmade, and because of the nature of polishing natural stones, they are not perfect square “pixels”. They are handmade to suit the condition of the available stone.

After the Pixel Mirror, Monoli now has the Pixel Window in works, which as the artist puts it, “the lens minecrafts scenery without electricity.”  Pixel Mirror is on sale in Japan for ¥ 19,800 (roughly $120). If you’re outside of Japan, you’ll want to keep an eye on Monoli’s tweets for information on international availability.

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Teenage Engineering DJ Console concept brings OP-1 style aesthetics to the deejaying world https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/teenage-engineering-dj-console-concept-brings-op-1-style-aesthetics-to-the-deejaying-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teenage-engineering-dj-console-concept-brings-op-1-style-aesthetics-to-the-deejaying-world Thu, 04 Jul 2024 20:45:15 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497886

Teenage Engineering DJ Console concept brings OP-1 style aesthetics to the deejaying world

Teenage Engineering has become an inseparable part of the music community in the past decade. Ever since their OP-1 synth debuted on Swedish House Mafia’s...
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Teenage Engineering has become an inseparable part of the music community in the past decade. Ever since their OP-1 synth debuted on Swedish House Mafia’s music video for their song ‘One’, the company has been on a rise, launching Pocket Operators, recording/playback gear, turntables for children, and even venturing into phones for Nothing and the R1 AI device for Rabbit. Their position in the new-age music industry, however, remains cemented for the next few years to come – but if there’s one device missing from their music-making tech repertoire, it’s a great DJ console. While most people love making music, there’s a case to be made that if you want to connect with your listeners, you need to perform your music too – and deejay consoles help artists do just that. Designed to bridge this product gap, Chris Matthews designed the OP-J, a Teenage Engineering-inspired console for disc jockeys looking to play and remix tunes.

Designer: Chris Matthews

Deejay consoles don’t really need to be portable, but there’s an understated beauty to how sleek the OP-J is. It’s about as thick as its synthesizer sibling, with the same design language running through. You’ve got two rotating discs, knobs, keys, buttons, cross-faders, a speaker, and two screens that guide you through playback as well as effect settings.

Keeping in theme with the company’s focus on music creation, the OP-J allows you to do more than just play and merge tracks. Sure, it’s a pretty capable DJ console, with everything a disc jockey would need to get on stage and drop the bass… but you’ve got 8 keys and 8 more buttons to record/trigger loops, play melodies, or activate certain intros/outros to spice up your songs. Although it isn’t shown here, I wouldn’t be surprised if you could hook the OP-1 to the setup and take your performance to even higher levels.

Color-coded knobs let you control effects and envelopes, while a dedicated display just for the effects lets you monitor what you’re up to. It’s unusual for a DJ console to come with its own speaker, but just in case you want to practice in the privacy of your home or hotel room, the OP-J lets you nerd out without needing a separate speaker system. Yes, audio jacks on the bottom let you hook external speakers if you can, or headphones so you can preview tracks before cueing them.

The OP-J is just a fan-made concept for now, but if someone from Teenage Engineering reads this, we all could use an OP-style deejay console! Besides, let’s also take some time out to appreciate the Darth Vader-esque black and red version below?!

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This Chinese dual screen business laptop is first horizontally foldable 360-degree laptop ever https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/this-chinese-dual-screen-business-laptop-is-first-horizontally-foldable-360-degree-laptop-ever/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-chinese-dual-screen-business-laptop-is-first-horizontally-foldable-360-degree-laptop-ever Thu, 04 Jul 2024 19:15:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497731

This Chinese dual screen business laptop is first horizontally foldable 360-degree laptop ever

Dual screen laptops are still in their infancy. Whether there are takers for such a technology, doesn’t matter; OEMs are constantly developing laptops with multiple...
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Dual screen laptops are still in their infancy. Whether there are takers for such a technology, doesn’t matter; OEMs are constantly developing laptops with multiple screens. Chinese company Acemagic is the latest entrant in the category. After having surprised us with a gaming router-esque mini-PC previously, Acemagic has now announced the X1 laptop: considered the world’s only horizontally foldable 360-degree laptop.

It was back at the Computex 2024 in Taiwan when Acemagic first revealed its dual screen laptop. It was then called the Z1A, but eventually now, when it was launched, it was called the X1 and it is meant for consuming different content simultaneously, working on different screens, or multitasking work without switching between screens – as I end up doing all day, with a 27-inch monitor attached to my usual single screen laptop.

Designer: Acemagic

The Acemagic X1 is a usual laptop with another screen attached horizontally, which can swivel all the way back, flush against the primary display. Comprising two 14-inch 1080p displays, the laptop allows users to fold the screens down over the keyboard for use in tablet mode with one screen. Whatever the use case you choose, the 360-degree rotation and folding dual screen laptop is meant for business and productivity usage.

So, you can during work, swivel the second screen backward and present the slides to your team sitting across the table from you. Or maybe, when your little one is disturbing you while working; you can swing the additional screen all the way back to play their favorite cartoon while you continue working unhindered. There are a lot of use case possibilities, but it’s not the most powerful machine for your needs.

Under the hood, the Acemagic X1 dual screen laptop runs a two-year-old Intel Core i7 1255U processor. It’s paired with 1 TB 3.0 SSD for onboard storage and features 16GB DDR4 RAM.  For connectivity, the laptop supports up to 5Gbps of transfer speeds and has a USB-A, 2 USB-C (one only for charging), and an HDMI 2.0 ports. With its distinctive appeal, the laptop will make a buzz but for now, we don’t have a price or its release date to share.

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This Novel & Refreshing Preschool Concept In Ethiopia Supports Indoor-Outdoor Learning https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/this-novel-refreshing-preschool-concept-in-ethiopia-supports-indoor-outdoor-learning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-novel-refreshing-preschool-concept-in-ethiopia-supports-indoor-outdoor-learning Thu, 04 Jul 2024 17:20:18 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=496699

This Novel & Refreshing Preschool Concept In Ethiopia Supports Indoor-Outdoor Learning

Designed by the Brazilian architectural firm Studio MEMM, this preschool concept has been tucked away in the natural setting of Ethiopia. The school is designed...
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Designed by the Brazilian architectural firm Studio MEMM, this preschool concept has been tucked away in the natural setting of Ethiopia. The school is designed to be visually appealing and attempts to strike a serene balance between architecture and nature, creating an educational setting that is conducive to learning, and keeps the students inspired and intrigued. Studio MEMM participated in a competition to design the preschool and the resultant structure is a dynamic building that serves as a natural space for a fun yet valuable education.

Designer: Studio MEMM

While designing the building, the architecture team wanted to create something that not only supports learning but also serves as a playful center where children can engage, interact, as well as imagine and discover new things. The buildings were designed to be stimulating, featuring open windows, that offer constant access to sunlight and fresh air. Expansive classrooms create a space that is free-flowing and open, so the kids don’t feel caged in. The space is intended to encourage coexistence and teaching, while due respect is paid to its natural surroundings. The overall structure was split into smaller volumes, adding fluidity to the entire site. Doors and walls have been designed as moving panels in an effort to add flexibility, while also ensuring easy access to the outdoors.

There were budget constraints, as well as limitations of materials. These issues posed challenges, and hence excavated earth was utilized to build the classroom walls, and the forms on the outside. This earth was excavated from the site itself, and it elevates the auditorium-like landscaping. Since Ethiopia doesn’t always have access to electricity, the studio focused on natural lighting and ventilation quite a bit. Moveable panels were installed to ensure this.

The entire school is made up of a number of classrooms – ranging from small to large. It has been equipped with bleachers with blackboards and open gardens, which also serve as spaces for local community gatherings. Since elements of indoor-outdoor design were incorporated, students can learn inside the school, as well as outside, promoting interactive and novel ways of learning.

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Pet getting scared of 4th July fireworks? These quirky yet effective Dog Headphones with ANC can help https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/pet-getting-scared-of-4th-july-fireworks-these-quirky-yet-effective-dog-headphones-with-anc-can-help/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pet-getting-scared-of-4th-july-fireworks-these-quirky-yet-effective-dog-headphones-with-anc-can-help Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:20:30 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497896

Pet getting scared of 4th July fireworks? These quirky yet effective Dog Headphones with ANC can help

Fourth of July can be a really fun time for the entire country, but a very stressful time for pet parents who have to deal...
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Fourth of July can be a really fun time for the entire country, but a very stressful time for pet parents who have to deal with the extreme anxiety that dogs feel around those loud bangs and other noises. Dogs are highly sensitive to sound, so any loud noises, be it the pop of a firework or even the bang of a thunderstorm, can cause them high amounts of stress. Kirsten Brand nearly lost her dog Emma when a firework show on the 4th of July caused the pet to get so scared that she ran away from home. “After what seemed like hours, we found my furbaby, Emma, down the street. Thankfully, she had been taken into a garage by a neighbor, to ride out the rest of the firework show,” Kirsten mentioned.

That prompted her to design the Pawnix, a pet ‘helmet’ that covers their ears to dampen loud noises, while also playing calming and soothing sounds via Bluetooth. Sort of like ANC Headphones but for dogs, the Pawnix keeps your pets calm with relaxing audio, while also wrapping around their head to make them feel a sense of physical security and comfort.

Designer: Pawnix

Improved over various iterations, the Pawnix now comes with a foam-padded neoprene design, similar to the laptop sleeves you usually see people carry their MacBooks in. The helmet, shaped to look almost like a bonnet for your pet, wraps around the dog’s head, with pockets for the ears to fit in. The design works equally well for dogs with all kinds of ears, whether they’re erect, semi-erect, or hanging down. 4-way stretch Anti-microbial fabric with durable stitching means the Pawnix can go without being washed, and can definitely endure your dog trying to scratch at it or take it off.

On the inside, a set of audio drivers with active noise canceling and Bluetooth 5.0 let your dog listen to calming soundscapes instead of loud noises. Pop the headphones on, and you can connect your phone to the Pawnix via Bluetooth, choosing from a variety of calming sounds (you can actually find dog-calming tracks on YouTube). Alternatively, just the Pawnix itself should be able to drown out less intense noises like a dinner party with loud music. The Pawnix comes in 4 colors, and 4 sizes too, although there’s also an option to custom-make a Pawnix for even larger dogs.

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realme 13 Pro series is coming with ultra clear camera powered by HYPERIMAGE+ AI https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/realme-13-pro-is-coming-with-ultra-clear-camera-powered-by-hyperimage-ai/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=realme-13-pro-is-coming-with-ultra-clear-camera-powered-by-hyperimage-ai Thu, 04 Jul 2024 14:20:04 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497940

realme 13 Pro series is coming with ultra clear camera powered by HYPERIMAGE+ AI

Smartphone cameras have gotten quite powerful, that they might have hit a wall when it comes to hardware. Although they have reached mind-blowing 100 megapixels,...
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Smartphone cameras have gotten quite powerful, that they might have hit a wall when it comes to hardware. Although they have reached mind-blowing 100 megapixels, sensors have also gotten a little too large for the ever-thinning smartphones. To make up for that slump in optical solutions, manufacturers are turning to software, specifically everyone’s favorite AI special sauce, to produce astounding images and experiences that wouldn’t have been possible with hardware alone. That said, AI alone won’t be enough either, so at its AI Imaging Media Preview Event in Bangkok, realme unveiled a new AI photography architecture that harnesses both powerful optics and powerful algorithms to bring mobile photography to the next level.

Designer: realme

realme’s new HYPERIMAGE+ AI photography architecture, which it claims is a first for the industry, leverages three layers to create its seemingly magical imaging feats. It stands on a solid foundation of powerful hardware, delivered by a new Sony LYT-701, a 50MP sensor with OIS, and a 50MP Sony LYT-600 paired with a periscope-style telephoto lens that lets it zoom in up to 3x without any loss in detail. The hardware alone would have been enough to handle any photography task even in challenging lighting situations, so you can imagine how much more impressive the results would be with help from AI.

HYPERIMAGE+ also utilizes both on-device AI imaging algorithms as well as cloud-based AI image editing to go beyond what the hardware is capable of. HyperRAW, for example, brings image processing capabilities to the high-quality RAW domain, boosting image quality and dynamic range to faithfully recreate light and shadows. AI Pure Bokeh helps in the separation of foreground, midground, and background elements, applying pixel-level segmentation and targeted optimization to create realistic portrait photos, all within seconds. An in the event that the cameras weren’t able to capture enough resolution for rich details, AI Ultra Clarity enhances the image to still produce crystal clear and stunning images.

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Of course, all these benefits of AI would be meaningless if it doesn’t get into the hands of those who need it the most. Young users, in particular, are always craving stunning photos, striking videos, and unforgettable memories, pushing the boundaries of what their smartphones are capable of. They are, therefore, the perfect audience for this ultra clear camera with AI, and are exactly who the upcoming realme 13 Pro+ will be aiming for. realme’s AI-empowered flagship is set to launch soon, though details are still scant and will be provided closer to the launch date.

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RoboGrocery is the first step towards robots packing our grocery https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/robogrocery-is-the-first-step-towards-robots-packing-our-grocery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=robogrocery-is-the-first-step-towards-robots-packing-our-grocery Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:20:33 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497844

RoboGrocery is the first step towards robots packing our grocery

When I first encountered a self-checkout system in IKEA a few years ago, I sort of panicked because I didn’t know what to do. But...
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When I first encountered a self-checkout system in IKEA a few years ago, I sort of panicked because I didn’t know what to do. But after experiencing it and eventually figuring things out, I thought this was such a convenient way to do your shopping, especially if you want to keep social interactions at a minimum. Now if only there was a also a self-packing system since the packing up groceries stuff is the most difficult.

Designer: MIT CSAIL

Eventually, this can of course come true and one step towards a system like this is the RoboGrocery. This was developed by MIT’s CSAIL department and uses a soft robotic gripper together with computer vision to help you bag groceries and other small items. It’s still in its early stages of course but seeing how it’s working at this time seems pretty promising.

They tested it out by placing 10 objects on a grocery conveyer belt, ranging from soft items like grapes, crackers, muffins, bread to the more solid ones like cans, meal boxes, and ice cream containers. The vision detects the size of the item to determine the order of placing it in a box. The grasper, with the pressure sensors in its fingers, then determines whether the item is delicate and should not be placed at the bottom of the bag.

 

While we’re still a few steps away from actually having a robot to bag your groceries, it’s an interesting first step towards that. Eventually, after it becomes available for commercial use, they might also be able to develop this for industrial spaces like recycling plants and factories.

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The Ultimate Guide to Staircase Types: 10 Designs to Inspire Your Next Renovation https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/04/the-ultimate-guide-to-staircase-types-10-designs-to-inspire-your-next-renovation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-staircase-types-10-designs-to-inspire-your-next-renovation Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:40:08 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497821

The Ultimate Guide to Staircase Types: 10 Designs to Inspire Your Next Renovation

Stairs are important in buildings because they help people move safely between floors. They come in many styles and sizes, allowing for different types of...
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interior shots of a modern loft, in foreground the dining table with its chairs to whose right there is a wooden staircase the walls are covered of bricks

Stairs are important in buildings because they help people move safely between floors. They come in many styles and sizes, allowing for different types of staircases that fit well with their surroundings. Discover 10 types of staircase options and choose the one that is best suited for your home.

Image courtesy of: adpephoto

1. Straight Stairs

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

In a straight staircase, there’s a continuous direction without any turns, making it ideal for both residential and commercial properties. If the staircase is lengthy, it’s crucial to break the flight of stairs to facilitate climbing. Having a platform in the middle of the staircase is strongly advised, particularly when the distance to the floor exceeds 12 feet. Straight stairs are typically the most convenient for ascending and descending, favored for their ease of construction, and particularly suitable for minimalist residences. A downside is that straight stairs occupy linear space, requiring careful consideration in design planning.

2. L-Shaped Stairs

Image courtesy of: bilanol

The L-shaped staircase is a variation of the straight staircase, with a bend achieved by adding a landing, typically forming a 90-degree angle, though not necessarily. When the landing is closer to either end, it’s sometimes termed a long L staircase or a quarter-turn staircase. L-shaped stairs offer increased visual appeal and privacy due to the inclusion of a central landing, enhancing safety by reducing the number of steps in each flight and providing a resting spot before continuing the ascent, contrasting favorably with straight stairs. In an L-shaped staircase, a landing requires support, while modern homes often opt to expose the stair structure to enhance space openness.

3. U-Shaped Stairs

Image courtesy of: wirestock

U-shaped stairs comprise two parallel flights of straight stairs that are connected by a landing, forming a 180-degree turn in the walking path. One of the biggest advantages of U-shaped stairs is that they can be integrated easily into the architectural design of the building, along with their ability to provide substantial visual appeal. Additionally, these stairs feature a landing that serves as a resting point within the staircase structure that ensures comfort while climbing up and down the stairs.

4. Winder Stairs

Image courtesy of: LightFieldStudios

Designer: Royal Oak Railing & Stair Ltd.

Winder stairs, an alternative to the L-shaped configuration, feature triangular steps at corner transitions instead of flat landings. This design advantageously suits compact spaces, occupying less area, thus gaining favor in contemporary residences and sustainable home designs. However, caution is necessary while ascending these triangular treads due to their increased risk of tripping.

5. Spiral Stairs

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Image courtesy of: Mint_Images

Image courtesy of: antonytrivet

Spiral stairs feature a compact design, following a helical arc where treads radiate around a central pole. They are ideal for space-constrained environments like city lofts, maximizing space efficiency. The railing significantly contributes to the stair’s aesthetics. Note that the central pole and landing offer structural support, simplifying installation compared to other stair types. However, navigating spiral stairs can be challenging, especially with a smaller diameter. Moving large items up or down is cumbersome, and only one person can ascend or descend at a time.

6. Curved Stairs

Image courtesy of: wirestock

Similar to spiral stairs, curved stairs also follow a helical arc, but with a larger radius that doesn’t complete a full circle. Curved stairs exude elegance and are best situated at entrances, leaving a striking first impression, particularly complementing contemporary and transitional style homes. With a large radius, climbing becomes more manageable, yet construction proves challenging and costly.

7. Cantilever Stairs

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Cantilever stairs give the impression of floating without visible support, with the stair stringer affixed to one end of the treads, which can either be concealed or exposed. They introduce intrigue and a sense of spaciousness to any space, offering a distinctive visual appeal. Enhancing the room’s openness and aesthetic, cantilever stairs require meticulous design to accommodate the necessary support system capable of bearing the staircase’s weight. However, their construction entails considerable expense due to the added structural demands.

8. Ladders

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Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Ladders, akin to stairs, provide access, although they typically serve as secondary means of access. Commonly found in libraries and lofts, ladders offer a compact solution for vertical movement between floors, proving cost-effective. Some ladders even feature wheels for convenient removal when not in use and they are perfect for accessing shelves within double-height spaces. However, ladders pose greater difficulty in navigation compared to stairs, particularly during descent.

9. Split or Bifurcated Stair

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Split stairs, also known as bifurcated stairs, typically begin with a wide set of stairs at the bottom, leading to a landing partway up the flight. From this landing, the stairs divide into two narrower sets, each going in opposite directions. This design allows one staircase to serve dual purposes, providing access to different sections of the building and facilitating easy access to both ends of the upper level. Split stairs make a striking architectural statement, often seen in grand entries of large homes or commercial buildings, suitable for both interior and exterior settings. However, they require a significant amount of space, which should be considered during the building’s design process.

10. Open Well Stair

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The open well staircase earns its name from the space or “well” between the balustrades. Despite its extravagant use of space, when designed properly, it can make a grand statement in a home. It provides visual connectivity from the topmost level to the bottom level, irrespective of the number of floors it spans. One disadvantage is that an open staircase can be risky in the event of a fall. Additionally, open-well staircases also require a significant amount of space, hence, if you’re considering installing one in your residence, ensure you have sufficient room to construct it without it feeling cramped.

What are the different staircase materials?

Some of the common materials that are used for constructing a staircase include wood, concrete, glass, metal, and bamboo:

Wood

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Wood remains a timeless choice for stairs, providing a cozy and traditional atmosphere to the décor. Common materials for staircases include teak, oak, maple, and mahogany. Due to the high cost of wood, it is highly recommended to consider laminate or engineered wood as more budget-friendly alternatives. Note that these two options of wood are made with composite layers of wood veneer or laminate finish that is durable and aesthetically pleasing too.

Concrete

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Concrete, known for its durability and strength, is ideal for modern and industrial-style staircases. It can be poured and shaped into different forms and finishes, like polished concrete or textured surfaces. Additionally, the surface can be covered or clad with marble, limestone, granite, or tiles once the staircase is complete. It offers an elegant touch to the staircase design.

Metal

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Metal staircases offer a modern and streamlined look and materials like steel, iron, or aluminum are commonly used for the structural framework, supports, and balusters. Metals pair well aesthetically with wood or glass elements, enhancing the overall appearance.

Glass

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Glass staircases exude a contemporary and elegant vibe, enabling light to permeate the area and create a feeling of spaciousness. Make it a point to utilize tempered or laminated glass for the treads, balustrades, or railings to ensure safety and durability.

Bamboo

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Bamboo stands out as an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice for both staircase steps and railings. It offers a highly sustainable and budget-friendly option.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Staircase Types: 10 Designs to Inspire Your Next Renovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

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