"A new hardware startup led by MIT engineers and world-renowned origami innovators reimagines one of the most unchanged everyday objects: the umbrella. Called Ori, it features a frameless, origami-engineered design that compresses a traditional 1-meter canopy into a pocket-sized 3.5 × 23 centimeter cylinder, turning the canopy itself into the structural framework. Drawing on NASA-grade folding principles, Ori eliminates ribs, fabric, and typical failure points, creating an entirely new category of personal weather device."
"Unlike traditional umbrellas, Ori uses a patented Miura-based folding architecture that allows the canopy to become a rigid, self-supporting structure with a single degree-of-freedom motion. The umbrella opens with one actuation, and its compact form is achieved through precise crease pattern engineering and material experimentation. The team has filed four patents covering the folding system, locking mechanism, and internal core, reflecting the technical development behind the minimal exterior."
"In addition to its structural approach, Ori incorporates a set of digital features within the canopy itself. A built-in display provides air-quality readings (AirSense), visual themes that adapt to mood or weather (MoodShift), customizable color palettes (Display Aura), and one-tap open/close interaction (Smart Touch). These elements introduce an interface layer to the product, combining mechanical innovation with an interactive, user-responsive surface. The first Founder Edition units are planned for 2026, marking a new chapter for an object that hasn't changed in a century and a half."
Ori replaces traditional umbrella ribs and frame with a frameless, origami-engineered canopy that becomes a rigid, self-supporting structure. A Miura-based folding architecture provides a single degree-of-freedom motion and one-actuation opening. Precise crease pattern engineering and material experimentation compress a 1-meter canopy into a 3.5 × 23 centimeter pocket cylinder. Four patents cover the folding system, locking mechanism, and internal core. Integrated digital features include AirSense air-quality readings, MoodShift adaptive visual themes, Display Aura customizable palettes, and Smart Touch one-tap open/close. Founder Edition units are planned for 2026.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]