Roborior

An amalgam of robot + interior (hence, roborior), this strange blob is actually a security camera device dressed up to blend in discreetly with the furniture. This little fella even lights up in a translucent glow for some ambient illumination, adding to its rather harmless appearance. But this ain't no table dressing. On duty, Roborior will vigilantly spy out aberrances in an empty home such as intruders, noises, odors, temperatures, and alert its owner via handphone.

Price: 280,000 yen (US$2,724)
Availability: Roborior
Device: Security camera robot
Basic specs: CMOS sensor, 274 x 270 x 259mm, 3.25kg

Scroll Pan

This probably works better on an electric stove or a flat cooking area. We just can't imagine the Scroll Pan sitting atop a naked flame, wok-style. But being suckers for fun-loving, space-saving kitchen concepts, this appliance idea gets our thumbs up. Designed by Brit Sam Hextall for a design competition organized by designboom, each pan, or griddle if you prefer, comes with a storage sleeve which can be hung up and out of the way. Too bad it's still a concept.

Click here to see the griddle version | storage sleeve

Price: N.A.
Availability: Prototype, spotted by popgadget.net at designboom
Device: Kitchen pan
Basic specs: Diphenyl silicone (plasma treated and Teflon coating), storage sleeve

Fumakilla House Dust Block Ointment

Here's something that could only be from Japan. No need to wear a mask at home if you're constantly on the verge of a sneeze. This ointment apparently acts as a protective membrane which you smear inside your nostrils. It shouldn't impede breathing, and claims to be safe for pregnant women to use as well. Although if your home's that dusty, you ought to be evicted.

Price: 1,722 yen (US$16.85)
Availability: Japan, Fumakilla
Device: Nose ointment
Basic specs: N.A.

Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass

More great stuff that takes the chore out of household chores. Hurrah. It's been two years since Pilkington started touting its self-cleaning glass to the public. Since it's still around, we can rest assured it's the real McCoy. First off, if you plan on installing Pilkinton Activ Self-Cleaning Glass in your home, the coating on the glass—oddly--takes five days to activate itself. Otherwise, this is a boon to HDB and sky dwellers where leaning out to clean the panes is a life-and-death balancing act. The glasses look normal but come coated with a special chemical on the outside that reacts with ultra-violet rays from sunlight to break down organic dirt deposits. Rain or water that hits the glass takes the loosened dirt with it. Unfortunately, if things get a little dry during the hot season, be prepared to hose down your windows.

Window-washing phobics can click here to see how it works

Price: N.A.
Availability: Pilkington
Device: Self-cleaning glass
Basic specs: N.A.

Siemens Dressman

Here's a mannequin that does far more than play clothes hanger. It irons! Really! Desperate housewives may now take a moment to quietly rejoice in their liberation from the ironing board. On placing a damp shirt (which has at least undergone spin-dry) on the ironing dummy, it inflates with hot air in its interior and puffs the shirt up, removing creases while drying the garment. Every bit of the ironing process can be programmed, from the temperature to type of cloth being ironed. A normal cotton shirt apparently takes 7-8 minutes. When done, the robot blows cold air for a minute to stabilize the shirt. Oh, and one size fits all.

For a close-up of the Dressman, click here

Price: S$2,899(900 euros in Europe)
Availability: The Dressman will be rebranded Bosch ShirtMaster for Singapore (from Feb 3) and Asia (mid-2005)
Device: Iron
Basic specs: 12 programmable options for ironing, inflatable dressman body made of parachute silk material, retractable top frame for easy storage, casing with handle and wheels for transport, consumes 3,300W- 2,150W, 119 x 36.5 x 45cm, 28kg

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