It’s the LuminAID: a solar-rechargeable, inflatable lamp that packs flat and inflates to create a lightweight, waterproof lantern. It’s safe, sustainable, portable, and it provides up to six hours of LED light perfect not only for disaster relief situations, but also camping, first aid kits, or even as eco-friendly party lanterns. It was developed by two architecture students as a solution for tent cities in post-quake Haiti, receiving academic acclaim.
Food. Water. Shelter. When we think of our basic human needs, this triumvirate reigns supreme.
LuminAID: Give Light, Get Light from LuminAID Lab on Vimeo.
Over 1.6 billion people lack access to a stable source of electricity and light — that’s nearly one-in-four people forced to rely upon dangerous, toxic options like kerosene lamps or candles. Existing sustainable lighting solutions are too expensive and bulky to distribute in the quantities needed after a natural disaster or emergency situation.
Stork and Sreshta designed the LuminAID, a product Forbes has called “a possible alternative to Thomas Edison’s 1879 electric discovery that has the potential to change, not only the light bulb, but also the world.” It is a solar-rechargeable, inflatable lamp that packs flat and inflates to create a lightweight, waterproof lantern (images attached). Safe, sustainable and portable, the LuminAID provides up to six hours of LED light ideal for disaster relief situations or recreational use outdoors or in the home. The LuminAID has been evolved and prototyped to reduce the cost, make it brighter, more durable, and easier to use.
Waterproof design can float
Press-button for OFF, HIGH, and LOW light settings
Super bright LEDs
Simple to use (comes with picture instructions)
4 hours of 35 lumens on HIGH for reading, task work
6 hours of 20 lumens on LOW for safety, night light
Fully charges in 5-6 hours of sunlight
Semi-transparent inflatable casing to diffuse LEDs
Weight: ~90 grams
Source: LuminAid
