VML's solar-powered guardian toad sets still water into motion to protect against dengue

vml presents the guardian toad

Realized to join the fight against the dengue epidemic plaguing Peru, VML’s Guardian Toad aims to reduce the proliferation of mosquitos by intervening with their habitats. Commissioned by Sapolio, the device keeps the stagnant water on the surfaces of any receptacle in constant motion, transforming the mosquito’s favored habitat into a hostile place for it to lay its eggs, hoping to achieving a 92% protection rate. Inspired in form by the insecticide brand’s friendly mascot, it is self-sustainable, powered by a solar cell so that the movement of the blades and water can be continuous, allowing it to operate autonomously.

all images courtesy of Jhonatan Gibson

joining the fight against the dengue epidemic in Peru

This year, Peru is historically facing the worst crisis of dengue. 80% of the population in the most affected areas lack access clean water, forcing people to collect water in plastic containers from tanker trucks that distribute it from house to house. Unfortunately, despite recommendations, these containers are not adequately covered, creating ideal conditions for mosquitos to reproduce. As they can only lay their eggs in still water, this led the team to question: ‘what if we put that water in motion?’

In response, the Guardian Toad was developed by design studio VML in collaboration with professionals from Peru’s most prestigious universities for the research and development. Autonomous and small enough to move within water containers, it eliminates the need for batteries or electricity, as many affected areas lack these services.

the Guardian Toad components

the compact device sets stagnant water into motion | video still

self-sustainable it eliminates the need for batteries or electricity, as affected areas lack these services | video still

it transforms the mosquito’s favored habitat into a hostile place for it to lay its egg | video still

powered by a solar cell so that it can operate continuously and autonomously | video still

Sapolio and VML hope to achieving a 92% protection rate against the mosquito | video still

diagram depicting how the Guardian Toad works

almost 80% of the population in affected areas lack clean water, forcing people to collect water in plastic containers

project info:

name: The Guardian Toad

designer: VML

commissioner: Sapolio

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom