IKEA Set To Release Robotic Multi-Functional Furniture by 2020
A solution to small space living.
While IKEA‘s project with Olafur Eliasson aims to bring sustainable energy to those in areas without access to power, the Swedish furniture giant is turning its head to address other issues — developing robotic, multi-functional furniture systems for small space living.
IKEA has enlisted the American startup company Ori for this special project which will be called “ROGNON.” It combines IKEA’s modular PLASTA wardrobe with Ori’s automation technology. Bearing an L-shape, the storage unit slides along a bottom rail that sections a room into two areas via touchpad. The unit includes a bed, desk and couch with large compartments and pullout features.
In a press release, IKEA has addressed its concerns for high populations in areas of mass urbanization, stating that this phenomenon is “consuming both land and resources at an unsustainable pace.” One of the main objectives in designing this modular system is to allow small spaces to host a variety of home activities that one wouldn’t normally be able to do. IKEA goes on to mention that often times people in big cities “have to make compromises in the functions of their homes. We wanted to change that. Instead of making the furniture smaller, we transform the furniture to the function that you need at that time. When you sleep, you do not need your sofa. When you use your wardrobe, you do not need your bed.”
Though no official prices have been announced, the products are set to see a debut launch in Hong Kong and Japan in 2020.
Check out the video above for a look at the highly modular ROGNON.
In other related news, take a look inside Virgil Abloh’s massive “Figures of Speech” exhibition at MCA Chicago.
