A trashcan moves around the room by a remote control. (Photo/Beijing Youth Daily)
(ECNS) — Four students at the Beijing Institute of Technology have used advanced technologies to build a futuristic dormitory with functions like a space capsule, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
Their dorm used to look ordinary, with four loft beds and desks. Song Shantai, one of the four students majoring in design, built a system that projects a functioning computer keyboard on the desk surface.
"There is no need for you to turn on the computer when you are in a hurry to fix a paper. Instead, you can type words on the desktop," Song said. The words are transmitted to your smart phone, or sent to teachers by email immediately. The keyboard can also be projected onto the table nearby, Song said.
The trashcan in their dorm was also modified. Huang Xiaofeng, another roommate, told the newspaper that four wheels installed under the can help it move around the room by remote control. Huang, who majored in production design, said it was based on the chassis of remote controlled cars.
A temperature sensor installed on the air conditioner enables it to be turned on or off by people outside the room who can read the inside temperature and turn on the air conditioner in advance, Huang said.
Using window and door sensors, the room can also close its curtain automatically and turn on the light when someone opens the door in the evening. It helps "save time finding the light switch," said Lin Yunan.
All of the futuristic design ideas sprang from daily life, said Deng Yadong, the initiator. "Our integrated design is building a space capsule," Deng said, adding the team would like to build a room that is "like living in outer space".
The university's dorm authorities said the renovated room is safe to use after checks. A teacher from the university also said students are encouraged to be innovative by applying what they learn.
