Replacing Elevators With Human Power
Stairs, elevators and escalators can take up precious space in a building, plus they’re expensive and can require a lot of maintenance. So the Rombaut Frieling lab in Eindhoven, Netherlands created a new human-powered prototype system dubbed Vertical Walking. Requiring just ten percent of the effort needed to climb stairs with no other external energy input needed, Vertical Walking uses a system of upright rails that incorporates pulleys and a gripping system to allow a user to move between floor in a building. By pulling up on the rails, a person seated within the unit is drawn upwards by a combination of the spring action from elasticized ropes and a tensioned pulley system that allows users to rest between exertions thanks to a set of grippers on each vertical pillar. The team say their prototype has been successfully proven by a wide range of people, including an amputee and an MS sufferer.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Where could you see a system like thing being used? What advantages might it have over other systems? Tell us what you think by leaving your comments below.
A Craft Brew Created to Combat Climate Change
From time to time, we feature products in the food and bev space that spark our interest, whether it be an intricate new manufacturing process or just plain weird.
This next story is a bit of both. Patagonia, the company known for producing expensive backpacking and outdoorsy gear with an eye toward sustainability, has announced that it’s getting into the craft beer market. Who isn’t nowadays, right? Well, ever the eco-conscious brand, Patagonia says their new American pale ale (called the Long Root ale) is more than just sustainable. In fact, the ale is made with 15 percent Kernza, a long-rooted wild grain that cuts carbon output, helps rebuild soil health and even requires less water. So really, this food crop literally acts like a sponge for carbon. And apparently it even tastes good too, especially if you like a Grapefruit hop labor with a perfectly balanced maltiness.
SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
What do you think about this eco-friendly beer? Would you try it? Leave your comments below.