Drumroll please… The winner of Intel’s Make It Wearable development track is:
Nixie, a wearable, flying selfie-cam!
Yes, the above image is a rendering and at first glance it may look like a bulky piece of hardware, but the latest prototype is rather elegant. This was definitely in my top 3 picks due to the segmented industrial design solution for the arms of the quad-copter wrapping around the wrist. Hopefully they’ll make some nice images with some of their $500K prize money, but meanwhile, here’s their publicity video:
Congratulations, Team Nixie!
In second place, the heart-warming project from Open Bionics. An open-source, 3D printable robotic hand, filling the need for affordable, customizable prosthetics.
And third place went to ProGlove, a tool to help manufacturing professionals to analyze and augment their work (while looking cool).
There is still time to vote for the fan favorite at votemakeitwearable.com. Maybe you love one of the top three, but the other seven finalists are well worth checking out:
Wristify
A bracelet that warms or cools the wearer through hyper-localized temperature control. This was originally a student project from MIT – great to see it being taken way beyond a prototype: watch the video.
Snow Cookie
A ski-monitor to mount on your skis and synch with your phone for real-time ski coaching. Ski bunnies will go nuts for this: watch the video.
Blocks
A modular, configurable smart watch where the user chooses between different functionality to build his or her own system. Very clever snap system based on 3.5mm headphone jacks: watch the video.
Babyguard
Baby monitor system for both pre- and postnatal baby monitoring. Super-cute interface design: watch the video.
First V1sion
First person action sports camera integrated into athlete’s clothing. Great way to capture those thrilling sports moments: watch the video.
Arc Pendant
Navigation necklace and remote control for your life. A refreshing move away from the wrist: watch the video.
BabyBe
A way for mothers and premature babies to communicate and bond through soft tech. Really nice example of technology filling a very human need: watch the video.
