10 iF design award 2021 winners bring high-tech automation right at home

robots, artificial intelligence devices and smart-home technologies become easier to own, modify and operate. from wearable belt-like robots that assist physical mobility issues to a kitchen set that cooks everything from scratch, iF design award 2021 switches on the portal to automation at home. including high-end products whether for individual or family use, 10 of the renowned platform’s awarded winners show how everyday chores and activities can only become more fun.

designboom picks 10 iF design award 2021 winning devices that bring automation right at and through our doorstep.

name: fit bot
brand: samsung electronics co., ltd.
designers: jaewan choi, seokwon bae, doorae kim, seonghoon kang, soomi lee, sooyoung choi, hongsik park, minkyu jun

wearable korean designed robot ‘fit bot’ is more than what meets the eye. the device, awarded in the discipline professional concept, aims to address the drawback of conventional exercise methods for the general population, as strenuous exercise equipment and machines are not appropriate for senior citizens. together with its built-in actuator for support and resistance, the risk of injury is greatly reduced. whether used indoors or out, ‘fit bot’ improves the health of elderly people as it assists them in their everyday activities.

name: inchef
brand: beijing ruying tech. limited
designers: zhangliang, tangmu, jianghao, wangxiaoyao

award: iF gold award

through in-depth computer learning, accurate identification of ingredients and kitchenware, as well as application of the latest AI technologies like target tracking and path planning give ‘inchef’ its unique development. the smart kitchen program controls the mechanical arm and power supply to automatically cook selected dishes to perfection. not convinced? check out the whole live-action cooking process here!

conceptual colombian design ‘kiwibot plus’ aims to be the company’s next-generation robot, specializing in last-mile delivery service. using cute little robots with integrated artificial intelligence technology, kiwibot can deliver individual packages within a neighborhood. remotely supervised to ensure safety standards of mobilization and proper use of sidewalks, the device is also developed to blend perfectly into communities, establishing relationships with multiple local actors. more importantly, the robot can establish sustainable modes of accessibility for thousands of users with contemporary lifestyles, assuring hygiene, safety and convenience.

name: tokit omni cook multi-cooker
brand: shanghai chunmi electronics technology co., ltd.
designers: youru yang, xiangbin kong, chungKin wong

as surprising as it sounds, multi-functional chinese robot tokit omni cook is able to replace 21 traditional kitchen appliances! the system’s induction heating system with a powerful SMR motor provides the user with different cooking functions and techniques achieved with ultimate precision. the smart system’s 8-inch touch screen provides hundreds of online digital recipes each guided with step-by-step video instruction through preparation. for the best result, temperature, time and mixing speed are all controlled automatically.

almost like another family member, japanese ‘bocco emo’ sits on the table encouraging communication within a home. through the designated app, users can send or record messages, which are then read out-loud or played with the capability of impressively displaying a wide range of emotions. with a hands-free operation the robot is easy and reliable to use, while weather forecasts and scheduling are also part of the its functions.

name: hansaactivejet digital
brand: hansa armaturen gmbh
designers: michael lammel, michael zeisel (NOA intelligent design)

‘hansaactivejet digital’ is certainly not your typical shower head. the german intelligent device makes the relaxing experience a little more conscious and sustainable. via sensors and a display screen, the users are provided with information on their personal water and energy consumption, motivating them essentially to save and help towards a more ecological future.

with industry-leading sustainability, ‘nest audio’ combines quality sound and advanced assistant capabilities. emulating the curvature of a pillow with a fabric exterior, the form draws inspiration from the home while communicating sound with silhouette. to fit into a variety of spaces, the american device’s proportions are carefully considered and informed by common contexts like side tables and bookshelves. owned as a single piece or a set, the slim stance and compact footprint differentiate the product from the market.

name: automatic teapot
brand: guang dong xinbao electrical appliances holdings co., ltd.
designers: chen longhui, wang ruibo, yun ping

for those who know, brewing chinese tea correctly can be a big challenge. equipped with an automatic tea basket that rises when ready to drink, china designed ‘automatic teapot’ definitely simplifies the process. with a simple and easy to operate interface, the user is offered different tea types and five brewing solutions served to the t thanks to the filter steeping into the water once the temperature is ideal.

american brand lenovo is bound to bring more mobility than ever with its first folding OLED display laptop . ‘thinkpad x1 fold’ folds in half around an inductively charged keyboard that is also home to a stylus. covered in a premium authentic leather folio that provides both protection and an integrated kickstand, the device creates a system that allows users to maintain a mobile lifestyle with entertainment, work, and creativity in the most compact multi-mode version one can own.

a mesh wifi-router, a smart light and a beacon; the truly user-centric device, otherwise known as ‘haven smart home system’, is developed with industry-leading speeds and far-reaching internet coverage. as the light is fitted with motion and light sensors, changes at home are programmed to be reflected. in addition, the coin-sized trackers, or beacons, identify the users while providing smart responses. as all three connect to each other via bluetooth, the canadian device delivers a home experience that makes indoor location interaction faster and more personalized.