The eighteenth Italian edition of the James Dyson Award, the annual international design competition, saw the victory of Argo, the invention that aims to increase the autonomy of swimmers with visual disabilities – of which there are more than 2 billion in the world – by signalling the turn and orientation in the pool through precise vibrations.
Argo is a wearable device that aims to increase the autonomy of visually impaired swimmers by signalling the turn and orientation in the pool through precise vibrations. The project was realised with the support of a visually impaired competitive swimmer. In addition to the wearable device, to be attached to swimming goggles, Argo is configured as a portable container consisting of three elements: a wireless charging station that also serves as a case for the device and two twin devices containing a laser, a photocell and an ultrasonic sensor to be placed at either end of the pool.
L.B Drone
FIIL
In second place was the L.B Drone, the adaptable and remotely piloted lifebuoy-drone, which ensures promptness and efficiency in the event of rescue at sea; bronze medal for FIIL – a multifunctional walker for the elderly for home use that – in addition to movement – allows people to sit up and carry objects independently. A double revolution: on the one hand the smart lifebuoy and, on the other, a device that innovates an aid such as the walker in a country, Italy, where the over-65s represent 23.2% of the population. The projects now enter the international phase of the competition, challenging projects from other countries where the award is present. The international winner – chosen by James Dyson himself – will be announced on 16 November and will be awarded the final prize of €35,700. The two international finalists will receive a sum of 5,900 euros each.
