FX.co ★ Inventions of the year: 13 mind-boggling products

Zero Energy Furniture Climatic Table

Amazing as it may sound, a conference table that can regulate the temperature in the room without using any electricity was invented by French designers last year.

This eco-friendly interior design item is made of phase-changing materials that become softer, absorbing heat when the temperature in the room rises above 22°C. Whenever it goes below 22°C, the table simply starts to release the trapped heat into the room.

Oculus Rift

The innovative virtual reality headset, Oculus Rift, enjoyed its rightful spot in the limelight throughout 2015. It was tested by renowned entrepreneurs and guests at the most grand-scale expos of the planet. This cutting-edge device allows its users to dive into the virtual world, enabling the sensation of full presence.

Sladda bicycle

The chainless flat-packed Sladda is the most lightweight bicycle for urban riders currently available in the market. The first ever bicycle introduced by IKEA was created in partnership with Swedish design studio Veryday. With its maintenance-free drive belt instead of a traditional bike chain, the vehicle is perfectly tailored for city residents. Sladda is unbelievably easy to carry up the stairs and fold up for apartment storage.

Another technological wonder presented to the broad public in 2015 is Agrobot, a fruit-picking robot that automates the process of harvesting and is smart enough to measure fruit maturity. The multi-arm robotic harvester enables farmers to determine whether a fruit is ready to be sent to the market. The machine plucks ripe fruit and berries without damaging the harvest.

Ergonomic crutches by Mobility Designed

This is a revolutionary device for everyone using mobility aids. Traditional crutches may cause great discomfort and pain by rubbing the skin. This ergonomic crutch design shifts the weight to elbows as the main point of support, while the lower part of the crutches is made in such a way as to make every step as soft as possible.

Another smart product solution introduced in 2015 is device called My Critter Catcher, designed for catching insects such as spiders, crickets, grasshoppers etc. in hard-to-reach places from a safe distance without harming them before setting them free outside.

This might seem like a petty invention. However, it comes as a blessing for anyone suffering from insect-related phobias.

Here Buds

Experts claim that these wireless in-ear audio tuners may achieve a real breakthrough in today's market of standard earbuds and headphones. Here Buds revolutionize the traditional audio experience as they do not simply play music but also let you adjust frequencies, add various sound effects, as well as filter out noise, enhance or mute certain sounds, such as a baby crying on an airplane.

Electronic changing bed by Hatch baby

This smart changing baby pad with a built-in scale controlled via a smartphone is a real blessing for parents. The accessory is safe and comfortable for babies to sleep in. This bed is linked to a smartphone app, allowing moms and dads to monitor their baby's stats such as sleep, feedings, weight, length, and the frequency of diaper changes.

da Vinci Xi Surgical System

Experts have every reason to talk about computer-assisted surgery taking healthcare to a whole new level. This system is designed for performing minimally-invasive surgical procedures, using a camera and robotic arms that enter a patient's body via small incisions. The robot is meant to assist doctors rather than replace them, so the human surgeon controls the system from a separate console.

Monstas toys

Monstas is a set of exercise tools controlled via an iPad as a gaming platform. These interactive toys are designed for children with Juvenile Arthritis as they help strengthen the fingers, wrists, and joints.

Smart door lock

This high-tech home entry device can either complement the existing home protection system or replace it altogether. No physical keys are required as the smart lock is controlled via a smartphone app. With this device, you wouldn't have to double check that you locked the front door. In case you forgot, you can still lock it no matter how far you are from home.

Solar-powered speaker Rugged Rukus

This outdoor audio speaker uses solar energy to play music. This is one of the first gadgets in the market of wireless speakers getting energy from a natural source rather than drawing power from an electricity socket.

Garden Sensor

This multi-sensor probe designed by Edyn is another cutting-edge solution tailored to suit the needs of farmers and garden keepers. The device takes care of plants and makes it possible to determine soil nutrition, temperature, and humidity at any given moment. The Edyn Garden Sensor gathers and analyzes data about changes in the weather, allowing farmers to adjust their watering routine to varying environmental conditions. This gardening tool also gives recommendations about the right amount of water via a companion app.