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myLIFTER stores heavy items out of the way with the help of an iPhone

myLIFTER stores heavy items out of the way with the help of an iPhone
The iPhone-controlled myLIFTER lifting device
The iPhone-controlled myLIFTER lifting device
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Connecting to any iOS device via Bluetooth 4.0, the companion app features standard lift and lower buttons
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Connecting to any iOS device via Bluetooth 4.0, the companion app features standard lift and lower buttons
myLIFTER's power supply will work with both 110 and 240 VAC input from the wall
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myLIFTER's power supply will work with both 110 and 240 VAC input from the wall
Additional myLIFTERs can be purchased and installed to lift heavy objects
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Additional myLIFTERs can be purchased and installed to lift heavy objects
The components making up the myLIFTER prototypes are CNC-machined metals with 3D-printed plastics
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The components making up the myLIFTER prototypes are CNC-machined metals with 3D-printed plastics
Each unit measures 3 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (7.62 x 11.43 x 11.43 cm)
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Each unit measures 3 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (7.62 x 11.43 x 11.43 cm)
The myLIFTER unit uses a built-in spool and cable management system to raise and lower large objects such as bikes, kayaks and cargo boxes
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The myLIFTER unit uses a built-in spool and cable management system to raise and lower large objects such as bikes, kayaks and cargo boxes
A built-in function called "smartLIFT" allows users to program the device to raise and lower objects to the same height every time
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A built-in function called "smartLIFT" allows users to program the device to raise and lower objects to the same height every time
The iPhone-controlled myLIFTER lifting device
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The iPhone-controlled myLIFTER lifting device
Users without a compatible iOS device are able to purchase a custom-made remote control separately
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Users without a compatible iOS device are able to purchase a custom-made remote control separately
According to the company, the device has built-in safety feature that prevents lifting if the attached load exceeds the 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum weight
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According to the company, the device has built-in safety feature that prevents lifting if the attached load exceeds the 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum weight
View gallery - 10 images

Hooks and traditional shelves offer a practical storage solution for overcrowded garages, though they also involve the awkward task of lifting heavy items in a confined space. myLIFTER, a motorized lifting unit that you can control with your iPhone, aims to ease the load by lifting and suspending these items from your ceiling, all at the touch of a button.

The myLIFTER unit is secured onto the ceiling with a mounting bracket and, using a built-in spool and cable management system, raises and lowers large objects such as bikes, kayaks and cargo boxes.

A 25 ft (7.62 m) stainless steel cable connects the device to your objects using a selection of specifically designed attachments: a lifting hook for single items, a bike lifting kit with hooks for the handlebars and seat, and a kayak/cargo box kit incorporating straps to wrap around larger objects.

A built-in function called "smartLIFT" allows users to program the device to raise and lower objects to the same height every time
A built-in function called "smartLIFT" allows users to program the device to raise and lower objects to the same height every time

Connecting to an iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth 4.0, the companion app features standard lift and lower buttons. Users without a compatible device are able to purchase a custom-made remote separately.

One of common inconveniences the team behind myLIFTER has sought to address is the task of storing away the same object on a regular basis (much like one who cycles to work might encounter on a weekday). Dubbed "smartLIFT," a built-in function allows users to program the device to raise and lower objects to the same height every time. This means all that is required is a one-button push, removing the need to stand around waiting while myLIFTER picks up the (or your) slack.

One myLIFTER can bear a weight of 50 lb (22.7 kg), which should be sufficient for a single bike or kayak, while those wishing to lift heavier items can purchase additional units accordingly. Each unit measures 3 x 4.5 x 4.5 in (7.62 x 11.43 x 11.43 cm) and comes with a mounting bracket and hardware, 110 or 240 VAC power supply, and a 15 ft (4.57 m) electrical extension cable.

According to the company, the device has built-in safety feature that prevents lifting if the attached load exceeds the 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum weight
According to the company, the device has built-in safety feature that prevents lifting if the attached load exceeds the 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum weight

According to the company, the device has a built-in safety feature that prevents lifting if the attached load exceeds the 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum weight and an internal brake that locks the spool when it is not moving or power is lost.

myLIFTER's designers have launched on Kickstarter to bring the CNC-machined metal and 3D-printed plastic prototype system to commercial availability. At the time of writing, early bird pledge levels of US$75 for a single device are still available. If all goes according to plan, shipping is estimated for May 2014. Hook and kit attachments will need to be purchased separately.

Hear from the team behind myLIFTER in the video below.

Sources: myLIFTER, Kickstarter

View gallery - 10 images
9 comments
9 comments
Chizzy
50 pound limit? then a photo showing a 2 seat 4 wheeler being lifted, with one mylifter, and a caption saying that multiple mylifters can be used for larger items. somethings wrong with that.
TedF
Why would you want to control this with your iphone or any smart phone? Mobile phones have a short life, gear like this could outlast ten phones - would they all be compatible?
Anne Ominous
Chizzy: the "4 wheeler" is actually a kiddy car.
TedF: I do see many problems with this. Why iPhone only? These days you'd think they'd make both iPhone and Android apps. The fact that they aren't is a little strange, because they're blocking themselves out of at least half the market.
But there are other problems, too. I think it's a great concept, but I think the implementation could use some work.
Jeff Layton
Damnit, people, not everything needs to be controlled with a phone.
Slowburn
Just mount a cleat on the wall and lift the stuff manually if it is heavy use a block and tackle.
MG127
is it so hard to use a normal remote control?
Germano Pecoraro
I find the project too complicated! Last year I designed something similar to manual operation, no electric motor and Smat-Phone support.
Mike Kling
Or think how easy it would be to make one out of a cheap battery operated drill. Of course you would actually have to push a button to operate it.
bergamot69
Agree with Slowburn, this is technology for the sake of novelty, and does nothing that can't be done more easily manually (damn- late for work- where did I leave my Smartphone so I can get my bike off the ceiling?).