Low-Tech is the High-Tech for those in needs of innovation
Let’s dig into low-cost inventions that impact the world: the wind-up radio that helped combat AIDS in Africa
Technologies don’t have to be cutting edge to make a profound difference in people’s lives. Simple innovations or widely available tools can often have an outsized impact; think, for instance, of:
- Clean water systems: Basic filtration and sanitation technologies continue to save millions of lives globally
- Bicycles: This centuries-old invention remains a crucial, affordable transportation option worldwide
- Solar cookers: Low-tech devices that use sunlight for cooking reduce fuel needs and indoor air pollution in developing regions
- Sewing machines: These empower small businesses and enable clothing repairs, supporting local economies
- Radio: Still a vital source of information and entertainment in many parts of the world
These examples show how established or simple technologies can address fundamental needs, proving that innovation isn’t always about the latest breakthrough, but often about expanding access to existing solutions. Let’s focus on the radio, as it’s right a radio we would like to introduce you to: the wind-up radio
The wind-up radio
As the name suggests, his radio is powered by a wound-spring that stores energy to drive an electrical generator. Turning the crank winds the spring and a full winding will allow several hours of operation. Alternatively, the generator can charge an internal battery.
Like other self-powered equipment, windup radios were intended for camping, emergencies and for areas where there is no electrical grid and replacement batteries are hard to obtain, such as in developing countries or remote settlements. They are also useful where a radio is not used on a regular basis and batteries would deteriorate, such as at a vacation house or cabin.
Windup radios designed for emergency use often include flashlights, blinking emergency lights, and emergency sirens. They also may include multiple alternate power sources, such as disposable or rechargeable batteries, cigarette lighter receptacles, and solar cells.
A wind-up radio to fight AIDS
Back in 1991, a British inventor, Trevor Bayliss, devised an innovative radio that didn’t require an external electrical source or batteries. His now famous wind-up radio is one of the greatest examples of lateral-thinking in modern times. Trevor developed the radio in response to the need to communicate information about AIDs to the people of Africa. Trevor Baylis envisioned it as a radio for use by poor people in developing countries, especially in Africa, without access to batteries.
Idea generation
Trevor Bayliss had previously see a TV programme about AIDS in Africa. The presenter described the difficulty of getting important health information to people who couldn’t afford batteries for their radios. Baylis immediately went out to his workshop to see if he could build a suitable generator for a radio. It only took him 30 minutes to come up with a soluion.
In May 1998 Trevor went on a tour of African states, lecturing for the British Council, in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“The most effective way to get information to people in Africa was through radio, but a lot of Africa doesn’t have electricity and batteries are too expensive”
“I went to a village in Botswana to present them with a radio, when I turned on this little radio it suddenly became a theatre in a stange was, it was awesome”
“Wind-up technology is so extensive. The wind-up torch came off the back of the radio, and wind-up chargers for mobile phones. Wind-up computers will soon come about” (actually, they did came soon)
[Trevor Baylis]
Although many criticised the product for being unnecessarily robust, it wasn’t created for the same kind of use as typical radios in developed countries and instead was designed to be as durable as possible. Baylis’s radio illustrates the complexities of balancing environmental, social, ethical and economic decisions in design and is still a useful discussion piece for aspiring designers today.
Trevor Baylis: from stuntman to inventor of devices to help people with disabilities
Trevor Baylis, who has died aged 80, left his school in London at 15 without any qualifications. But he went on to become a physical training instructor, an engineer, a stuntman and, at 45, a full-time inventor, eventually finding fame for developing the wind-up radio.
Many of Baylis’s inventions were inspired from his time as a stuntman. He had friends who had suffered life changing injuries as a result of their work. “Disability is only a banana skin away,” he often said.
As a result, he focused his effort on inventing devices to help people with disabilities in their everyday lives. He came up with over 200 of these devices, which he named Orange Aids and included one handed bottle openers, foot operated scissors, can openers and sketching easels.
A true maker spirit
Trevor Baylis embodied the role of the inventor, always looking for solutions to problems and proving his novel ideas through many prototypes. He understood the value of design and considered this to be an important step in the commercialisation of his ideas.
Baylis received an OBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2015 for services to intellectual property. Despite his many successes, he once said he had one big regret: not being selected to swim for Great Britain in the 1956 Olympics.
souce: Independent I The Conversation
cover image: the wind-up radio designed by Trevor Baylis
author: Barbara Marcotulli
Maker Faire Rome – The European Edition has been committed since its very first editions to make innovation accessible and usable to all, with the aim of not leaving anyone behind. Its blog is always updated and full of opportunities and inspiration for makers, makers, startups, SMEs and all the curious ones who wish to enrich their knowledge and expand their business, in Italy and abroad.
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