Pictured above, the AMPHIBIO prototype gives off Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire vibes, and what it can potentially do is not too far off from that idea. Underwater fantasies are common, to say the least, and the AMPHIBIO gill garb, still underway in research and development (R&D), potentially supports any mermaid/merman dreams you may possess.
Jun Kamei, a biomimicry designer and material scientist, is in the process of creating wearable technology of the future. AMPHIBIO, a gill garment for aquatic purposes is underway at AMPHIBIO LTD. This marine innovation is inspired by the gills of water diving insects that are able to stay submerged in water via a thin layer of air captured on the superhydrophobic skin, causing a gas exchange to provide oxygen. The motion of action was accelerated by the predicted rising sea levels threatened by climate change. AMPHIBIO, visually depicted in this video, is created by 3D printing and designed with unique material resembling microscopic pores that assist underwater breathing by providing oxygen sourced by the surrounding water and depleting carbon dioxide captured in the filter system. This process creates the gas exchange that water diving insects experience through their gills. This project has proved success in gathering oxygen in R&D but has not yet been able to capture enough for a human to breathe. Still, this finding shows potential for the innovation and its use the future.
The AMPHIBIO design is aesthetically pleasing and also has intent for useful design. The idea of this gill garb is inspired by nature and is producing success in R&D. It is always remarkable to be able to see designers use their skills to create something that is beautiful and works within design. Innovations like this give dreamers courage to explore possibilities of the future.
What would you design for the future (something that doesn't exist today)? And how would you create it to be beautiful and practical within design?