Hasta La Ideas

Tech start-up Pentaform has devised a potential solution to e-waste: making gadgets that dissolve in water and leave behind only their electronic components for recycling.

Pentaform‘s idea involves making both the housing of an electronic product and its circuit board from a type of biodegradable and fully water-soluble plastic that the company is calling Aquafade.

The product – for instance, a computer or remote control – is given a thin waterproof coating on the outside to protect it from moisture, but when its housing is opened and the whole thing is submerged in water, it completely dissolves in six to eight hours.

As the plastic starts to break down, the valuable electronic parts can be easily separated from the material by hand, and the remainder of the plastic-water mixture is tipped down a sink or toilet so it can finish decomposing in the sewage system.

Pentaform co-founders Samuel Wangsaputra and Joon Sang Lee came up with Aquafade out of frustration with both e-waste and biodegradable plastics.

According to the duo, biodegradable plastics usually ends up in landfill rather than proper composting facilities and enters the environment as microplastics.

They are also critical of the carbon emissions generated from composting sites and waste transportation, which they think could be reduced.

With Aquafade, there is a shortcut to the best processing facility and no microplastics are left behind, they say.

“It’s the highest probability that people will actually biodegrade the product, because it dilutes in water, it gets transported through the sewage system, and it biodegrades with the bacteria in a sewage facility,” Wangsaputra told Dezeen.

Wangsaputra’s inspiration for Aquafade came from an everyday source: dishwasher detergent pods. Aquafade is made from the same type of synthetic polymer, called polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), but used in bulk rather than as a thin film.

According to Pentaform, the material is durable, with similar mechanical properties to ABS – the polymer used as standard for computer parts – and can be injection moulded using the same machines. It is also commonly used for 3D printing.

Wangsaputra and Lee have been working with scientists Enrico Manfredi and Meryem Lamari to develop the polymer for their intended use, and also to develop the coating that will protect products from degrading upon exposure to moisture in the air and on surfaces.

“We want the coating to prevent the ingress of moisture but also we want the coating to make it a bit tougher, to make it stiffer and to allow it to take a bit more punishment,” said Manfredi. “We’ve actually found formulations to do both in isolation and now the next stage is combining the two compositions.”

The coating consists of two other common types of plastic: polyurethane and polydimethal siloxane, otherwise known as silicone.

These are typically non-toxic, and while they are not usually thought of as biodegradable, Pentaform’s scientists are confident that given the thinness of the coating and the bacteria in the sewage system, these too will break down completely.

“Polyurethane does break down – not quickly, but it does break down,” said Manfredi. “In waterways, we think it will break down much faster, because the activity of bacteria in sewage plants is actually pretty incredible.”

He says it is similar to how wastewater treatment plants already cleanse toxic compounds from soaps and detergents, with the local bacterial fauna adapting to whatever they are given to eat.

“You can kind of think of it as a watery composting facility,” he added.

Pentaform’s vision for Aquafade is to both license the material to other companies and to release their own products.

They have a headstart on the product, having previously designed and released a device called the Abacus computer that they now intend to update with Aquafade in place of recycled ABS plastic.

The product constitutes a computer housed inside a keyboard that can be connected to a TV screen for use. It targeted Wangsaputra’s home market in Indonesia, where most rural households do not have a home computer but do have a TV, and has found some popularity.

Pentaform has only been developing Aquafade since late 2023 and is now among the finalists for the Terra Carta Design Lab prize, which recognises student-led projects focusing on sustainability, and which Wangsaputra qualifies for as a recent design graduate of London’s Royal College of Art.

Wangsaputra’s vision is for the material to be more broadly adopted in consumer electronics. He says that if Aquafade can replace even one per cent of e-waste, it would prevent 140,000 tonnes of toxic and carcinogenic materials from potentially entering the environment.

“If we keep on bringing out these products that are quite radical, hopefully one of them will get accepted by the market and we could somewhat change the way the industry works,” said Wangsaputra.

The winners of the previous Terra Carta prize included the Tyre Collective’s tyre rubber-catching device and the Zelp muzzle for filtering methane out of cow burps.

The post Aquafade water-soluble electronics provide way to tackle e-waste appeared first on Dezeen.

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 $6000 Robotic Massage Chair at IFA 2024: A Luxurious Hands-On with the Bodyfriend Quantum first appeared on Yanko Design.

Remember when Apple debuted the Apple TV remote without a Find My feature and the internet collectively groaned because losing your TV remote is perhaps the single biggest cliche as far as remote controllers go? Well, here’s a similar situation – imagine losing the charger to your phone or laptop. I’m sure it’s happened to you multiple times (it literally happened to me today)… and while I don’t recommend waiting for Apple to build the Find My feature into their chargers, I really don’t need to because Twelve South beat them to it. The world’s first (and so far only) charging bricks with their own tracking chip, the Twelve South PlugBug chargers made their first appearance at IFA today. Designed to be compact, colorful, powerful, and trackable, these charging bricks are the perfect accessory for the absent-minded tech-user. Imagine misplacing your charger in a crowded cafe, at work, or under the bed at home; with Find My, you can locate it just like you would an AirTag. That’s what Twelve South brings to the table with the PlugBug 50 and the more robust PlugBug 120.

The PlugBug series comes in 2 models – the smaller 50W charger, and a larger 120W charger with replaceable heads for international travel. The smaller PlugBug 50 has a 50W output (as its name suggests) and offers dual USB-C ports, perfect for powering up your iPhone and iPad simultaneously. It’s designed to slide into your daily routine with ease, packing just enough power to handle multiple devices without taking up much space in your bag, or behind your couch.

The PlugBug 120, on the other hand, is a multi-port powerhouse with 120W of total output, enough to charge a MacBook Pro, an iPad, and two more devices—all at once. With four USB-C ports, it’s ideal for those juggling multiple gadgets, whether you’re working from a coffee shop or charging up in a hotel room. Twelve South deliberately ditched the USB-A ports for these plugs, keeping things modern and up-to-date. The standout feature, however, is the interchangeable plug heads for different regions. Whether you’re hopping between the US, UK, or Europe, the PlugBug 120 has you covered with its international plug options. It’s a simple yet effective solution for people who often find themselves digging through a bag of adapters just to get their gear charged abroad.

But what sets both chargers apart from your standard USB-C bricks is their integration with Apple’s Find My network. Misplaced your charger? No problem. You can track it via the Find My app, and yes, this even works when the charger is offline. Unlike most gadgets you lose in your daily hustle, the PlugBug can be tracked just like an AirTag. It’s a feature that’s becoming increasingly valuable as we juggle more devices in our connected lives. Due to electrical regulations, the Find My feature is powered by a tiny, replaceable battery instead of being directly connected to the plug itself (you’ll need to swap it out every year or so). This simultaneously ensures that Find My works even if the charger isn’t plugged in.

The design of both chargers doesn’t stray too far from what we’ve come to expect from Twelve South—clean, minimal, and functional. The foldable prongs on both models make them super portable, while the compact design ensures they fit into tight spots, whether at home or in cramped outlets on the road. They’re also a combination of white and bright red, so don’t worry about not spotting the charger from a mile away. If the charger does become difficult to find, the Find My is a pretty cool add-on.

As for pricing, the PlugBug 50 will run you $69.99, while the PlugBug 120 is priced at $119.99—not exactly impulse buys, but reasonable for what they offer, especially if you factor in the peace of mind that comes with never losing your charger again. Both models are expected to hit shelves by mid-September 2024.

Given how losing a charger can often feel like losing a limb, the PlugBug lineup offers a bit of relief—and a clever way to keep your tech life on track. Just remember to check Find My before you accuse the couch of eating your charger.

The post Twelve South PlugBug Chargers Hands-On at IFA: The World’s Only Chargers with Apple’s Find My feature first appeared on Yanko Design.

At IFA 2024, where the latest and greatest in tech innovation often compete for attention, Sharge made its mark by introducing the Forged Carbon Fiber Series. Known for creating high-performance portable power solutions, Sharge’s new lineup captured the spotlight not only for its charging capabilities but also for its striking design. This collection, featuring the CarbonMag 10K MagSafe Power Bank, and the CarbonMag 5K MagSafe Power Bank, merges utility with premium materials, offering a standout option for those who demand both function and form from their tech accessories.

Forged Carbon Fiber: A Distinctive Edge

The use of forged carbon fiber in Sharge’s latest series is a significant design decision. Forged carbon fiber is a material associated with luxury and high-performance industries, such as motorsports and aerospace. It is strong, lightweight, and gives the devices a unique, patterned aesthetic. Unlike traditional woven carbon fiber, forged carbon is formed through a random compression process, resulting in each power bank featuring its own distinct, marble-like texture.

This design choice isn’t purely cosmetic. The forged carbon fiber exterior provides durability and resistance to everyday wear and tear. Whether you’re commuting daily or traveling, the rugged construction ensures that the power bank can handle a few bumps along the way without compromising its sleek appearance.

CarbonMag 10K: Lightweight Powerhouse

The CarbonMag 10K is the heavy hitter of the series, boasting a 10,000mAh capacity wrapped in a carbon fiber shell that offers both durability and portability. Its use of carbon fiber not only enhances its structural integrity but also keeps the device extremely light—perfect for users constantly on the move. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry without adding significant weight to your bag, while the carbon fiber’s unique texture gives it a modern, premium feel.

On the connectivity front, the CarbonMag 10K supports fast charging through its USB-C ports, ensuring your devices can charge quickly, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or even some laptops. With up to 22.5W output via USB-A and 20W via USB-C, the 10K keeps you powered throughout the day. The CarbonMag 10K also incorporates Qi2 wireless charging, allowing compatible devices to juice up without needing a cable. This feature is a great addition for those with wireless charging-enabled devices, especially if you often forget cables or simply want a cleaner charging setup.

The power bank’s focus on durability extends to its internal battery tech. It uses high-efficiency battery cells that are designed for longevity, supporting multiple charge cycles without significant degradation. SHARGE also integrated intelligent charging protection, ensuring your devices don’t overheat or suffer from voltage irregularities during the charging process.

CarbonMag 5K: Ultra-portable Everyday Charger

For those prioritizing portability, SHARGE’s CarbonMag 5K hits the sweet spot. With its 5,000mAh capacity, this model is geared towards users who need a quick top-up without carrying a bulkier device. The ultra-slim design makes it incredibly easy to slip into a pocket or purse, a major advantage when you’re traveling light. Despite its smaller size, the 5K shares the same carbon fiber build as its bigger sibling, offering the same lightweight strength.

While the 5K’s charging capacity is lower than the 10K, it’s still capable of fast charging. It features the same 20W output via USB-C, making it a solid option for anyone looking to quickly charge their smartphone or other small devices. Although it doesn’t support wireless charging, it makes up for it with its extremely portable profile. The compact design paired with carbon fiber construction ensures that this power bank remains durable even with frequent use.

Shared Features: Strength and Style

Both models in the CarbonMag series share a focus on high performance wrapped in sleek carbon fiber exteriors. The material choice is key to the series’ identity—it’s not just about looking good; it’s about offering real-world durability. Carbon fiber, known for being lightweight yet incredibly strong, provides a distinct advantage over traditional plastic or metal builds. This also makes these power banks stand out among competitors, many of whom still use bulkier or heavier materials.

Additionally, SHARGE’s attention to user safety is reflected in both models’ built-in safety protocols, which protect against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. This is particularly important for users who might charge multiple devices frequently or leave their power bank plugged in for extended periods.

A Smart Choice for All Users

The CarbonMag 10K and CarbonMag 5K are designed to meet different needs without sacrificing style or strength. The 10K is ideal for heavy users who need multiple device charges in one go, while the 5K is the perfect companion for day trips or short outings when you just need a quick boost.

SHARGE’s presence at IFA 2024 demonstrated the brand’s ambition to push the boundaries of portable power solutions. By combining the strength and lightness of carbon fiber with advanced charging tech, the CarbonMag series delivers a sleek and functional option for modern users. Whether you’re looking for a power bank that can handle a weekend’s worth of charging or something that fits in your pocket, SHARGE seems to have struck a balance between utility and style. Now, the only challenge left is choosing which one to carry—though at this rate, maybe you’ll want both.

The post Sharge Forged Carbon Fiber Series Hands-On at IFA 2024: Power Banks with an Aerospace-grade Touch first appeared on Yanko Design.

From Studio Gang‘s triple-tower St Regis skyscraper to one of the last projects designed by iconic architect Helmut Jahn, we’ve rounded up nine skyscrapers completed in Chicago in the last decade.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the most significant skyscrapers to be built in the lake-side city since 2015. The projects were created by a variety of studios – some Chicago-based and others international. Goettsch Partners is heavily represented, with four structures that all made it into the city’s top 20 tallest.

Chicago is the home of the first skyscraper and holds some of the most iconic tall buildings in the world, from the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Towers) to the corncob-shaped Marina City building, which was the tallest residential structure in the world in the 1960s when it was built.

Its skyscraper culture has also been exported. Studios like SOM have had hands in building skyscrapers around the world, breaking records from Chicago to Dubai.

Read on for nine recently completed skyscrapers in the city of Chicago.

1000M by Jahn, 2024

One of the last projects designed by German-American architect Helmut Jahn, this 788-foot-tall skyscraper (223 metres) is located in Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Historic District.

The building’s podium is more rectilinear with darkly coloured aluminium panels to fit in with the historic buildings on the street, while the top features curved sides clad in glass curtain walls to conform to the modern skyline.

Find out more about 1000M here ›

Salesforce Tower by Pelli Clarke & Partners, 2o23

Located at the confluence of rivers in the city’s core, the 852-foot-tall (259 metres) Salesforce Tower was the final development in the four-acre Wolf Point development, which includes two other, smaller towers and a park.

The structure has a thin profile to conform to the site and has distinct vertical segments that make it appear as though it’s made of several smaller planes.

Find out more about Salesforce Tower ›

The Row by Morris Adjmi Architects, 2023

This 480-foot-tall (146-metre) building in Chicago’s Fulton Market District was modelled on the quadrilinear skyscrapers with darkly coloured steel made popular by German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who designed several iconic mid-century skyscrapers for Chicago.

It has a structural system made of reinforced concrete with post-tension slabs and has a wide five-storey podium at its base to hold retail for the growing district.

Find out more about The Row ›

BMO Tower by Goettsch Partners, 2022

This 727-foot-tall skyscraper was created in Chicago’s West Loop neighbourhood as a headquarters for BMO Bank.

It has a stepped form with terraces at each of the three major setbacks and V-shaped structural columns of polished steel at its base. It is part of a larger redevelopment that includes the historic  Chicago Union Station.

One Chicago East Tower by Goettsch Partners, 2o22

At 973 feet tall (296 metres), the east tower of One Chicago is the eighth tallest building in the city and includes a stepped form with distinct vertical sections.

Located in Chicago’s River North district, it holds luxury residential as well as offices spread over 77 storeys.

Bank of America Tower by Goettsch Partners, 2022

Located between draw bridges, this 817-foot-tall (249 m) stepped office tower was placed on a narrow strip between the river and a road that runs alongside it.

In order to account for the slender site, the structure was given an “unusual stepped center core” according to the studio as well as a cantilever supported by columns attached to foundations at the river’s edge.

St Regis Chicago by Studio Gang, 2020

The second skyscraper completed by the Studio Gang in the city, St Regis Chicago (once known as Vista Tower) features three connected towers that descend in height as they move towards the lakefront. At 1,198 feet tall (365 metres), it is the third tallest structure in the city.

Its glass facade features a blue gradient to modulate the sun, and it has a vertical gap at the ground of the central tower that allows for pedestrians to pass under the structure.

NEMA by Rafael Viñoly Architects, 2019

Designed by the studio of Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, at 896 feet tall (273 metres) NEMA is the 10th tallest building in Chicago and the tallest in the city’s South Loop neighbourhood.

According to the studio, the skyscraper has a stepped form meant to emulate that of Willis Tower so that the two structures could “bookend” the skyline.

150 North Riverside by Goettsch Partners, 2017

Another skyscraper with a narrow base due to being wedged between a road and the river, 150 North Riverside is a 752-foot-tall (229 metres) skyscraper.

To account for the site, which is also boxed in by active train tracks, the 54-storey skyscraper has a height-to-base ration of 20:1, and the base appears as an inverted pyramid.

Find out more about 150 North Riverside here ›

The post Nine recently completed skyscrapers in Chicago appeared first on Dezeen.