Robot lifeguard wins 15th International BraunPrize - full details of finalists

Yolk is a design of protective headgear that completely transforms attitudes of its specific user group towards safety equipment. For additional information on Yolk and Greg Scott, see our original article on the concept.

How it works: Under normal conditions, Yolk is semi-rigid and pleasant to wear. In the event of a collision, however, it immediately transforms into a rigid shell that absorbs and distributes the force of the impact. This is achieved by means of a lining filled with tiny polypropylene pellets and a Kevlar fabric covering impregnated with a coagulating liquid. The lining can be equipped with a choice of different coverings to suit the personal taste of the wearer. Yolk thus straddles the boundary between safety and fashion. This protective headgear also offers integrated headphones to which a two-way radio, CD player or mobile phone can be connected.

The benefits: Yolk addresses the physical, psychological and social problems experienced by young skiers and snowboarders when wearing protective headgear. This product is designed to reduce the number of young adults who choose not to wear a helmet for reasons of comfort, convenience or appearance.

What the jury said: The Jury chose this project because it tackles an important snowboarding issue. The target group is unique in terms of its specific needs and wishes. Many of its members prefer to risk injury than to wear a safety helmet. This new product is a very attractive example of “fashion meets function”. Important aspects of the product are the clever way it integrates technology and innovation and its use of a gel-like material whose properties change upon impact. The way the helmet fastens to the head could be developed further.

The “Animal Factor – Echo Equine” Concept

This design tackles the problem of respiratory disease in horses and aims to prevent them by monitoring the health of the horse during activity.

How it works: It deals specifically with the most common medical problem encountered in racehorses: E.I.P.H. (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhaging). As this respiratory disorder is triggered by strenuous physical activity, the product has been specially designed to be used during physical movement. This diagnostic tool monitors respiratory pressure, temperature, pulse, nasal sound and acceleration. It also records training on a day-by-day basis in order to ensure constant communication between horse, jockey and vet, thereby guaranteeing the good health of the horse.

The benefits: Thanks to the particular design of the product - orientated more towards the needs of the animal than towards those of their human minders - the horse becomes a kind of partner.

...continued