Every year, Electrolux Design Lab does a competition focusing on a theme for the future technologies. The 2010 edition of the Electrolux Design Lab competition focuses on creative solutions for compact living. The 2010 brief asked industrial design students to consider how people will prepare and store food, and do dishes in the homes of 2050, when an estimated 74% of the global population are predicted to live in an urban environment. Here are a few of the finalists and their futuristic kitchen appliances. Could you imagine using these? View all the cool finalists on their Youtube Channel
BIO ROBOT REFRIGERATOR
Four times smaller than a conventional refrigerator, the Bio Robot cools biopolymer gel through luminescence. Rather than shelves, the non sticky, odourless gel morphs around products to create a separate pod that suspends items for easy access. Without doors, draws and a motor 90% of the appliance is solely given over to its intended purpose. At the same time, all food, drink and cooled products are readily available, odours are contained, and items are kept individually at their optimal temperature by bio robots. The fridge is adaptable — it can be hung vertically, horizontally, and even on the ceiling. Different sizes and dimensions allow it to perfectly fit the accordant dwelling. Designed by Yuriy Dmitriev (RUSSIA)
ELEMENTS MODULAR KITCHEN
This modular, wall-mounted appliance provides flexible modes of cooking, refrigeration, air conditioning, lighting, and environmental design whilst reducing space. The appliance draws power wirelessly through technology applied to the wall, which is supplemented through solar energy as required. Multiple units and surfaces automatically work together through wireless smart networking, whilst customisation is offered by being able to install the units as the user prefers. Design by Mathew Gilbride (USA)
THE SNAIL: PORTABLE INDUCTION COOKING
The Snail is a portable heating and cooking device based on magnetic induction processes. Such is the size and versatility of the Snail, it can be stuck directly on to a pot, a pan, a mug etc. to heat the contents.This reduces the amount of space required for conventional cooking whilst adding portability to the process. Powered by a high density sugar crystal battery, the Snail converts the energy from the sugar, heating up a coil to conduct the magnetic induction process to the utensil. Integrated sensors detect the food type being heated so as to automatically adjust the time and temperature. A simple touch sensitive display with interface helps to monitor the process. Design by Peter Alwin (INDIA)