The increasing of human population on Earth encourages
people to live more frugally. This also boosts the presence of minimalist
residence and multi-functional furniture, such as the couch that can be
converted into a bed, etc. And interestingly, the concept of Internet of Things
has unlocked new potentials in the presentation of furniture products.
A design firm, Carlo Ratti Associati in collaboration with
the Swiss furniture company, Vitra, to work on the Lift-Bit. It is a modular
furniture system that can be controlled via smartphone, allows it to change
shape into a couch, recliner, bed, casual rest spot, and other configurations.
Lift-Bit consists of separate modules in the form of
hexagonal padded benches. Each part has a motor, so that it could be raised and
lowered in a few seconds, with a height of between 480-780-millimeter. The
furniture can be operated using the gestures - just move your hand over it, or
via the application. Carlo Ratti Associati has set up a number of pre-sets, but
you certainly can create your own combinations.
Uniquely, Lift-Bit can feel 'bored' if you don't interact
with it in a long time. If it happens, it will automatically change shape to
play with the user. In the Milan XXI Triennale International Exhibition, Carlo
Ratti Associati shows the dynamic capability of Lift-Bit. Enabling a module
will trigger effect that causes the entire circuit to produce different
combinations
For examples: Two elements of Lift-Bit can form a single
chair, four elements of Lift-Bit can create a recliner, nine elements to make a
large sofa, and so on. But not just a place to sit, Lift-Bit can be configured
into other forms, such as volcanoes and the Grand Canyon. The creator team
claims that the combination is almost unlimited.
Professor Carlo Ratti as the founder of Carlo Ratti
Associati and also as the director of Senseable City Lab Massachusetts
Institute of Technology explains that the Lift-Bit shows one of the benefits of
the Internet of Things in transforming the interior design of our home.
Lift-Bit is exhibited at Milans XXI Triennale, in the exhibition 'Rooms. Novel
Living Concepts', open from April 12 until September 12, 2016.