Glowing in the dark
Two students have come up with a carpet that glows in the dark using the same sort of technology as powers displays in many of the latest generation of mobile phones
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The Footlume is the brainchild of Zoe Robson and Leona Dean, who are studying for an MA in Engineering at South Bank University. What we saw at this year’s Ideal Home exhibition at London’s Earls Court was a carpet with blue butterfly motifs that glow in rotation. Zoe Robson told us that, “It’s the same technology as in a mobile phone. We came up with the idea because of the number of times that I have had to use my mobile phone to light my way. It’s six times more efficient than a light bulb. You only need to plug it in to recharge it every six months or so. Its great for kids and for people with mobility issues. It uses electroluminescence which is a cold light so no energy is lost as heat. It’s a great alternative to candles. You can programme it to respond to music or to fade in and out”.
For those who wish to see it, the Ideal Home Exhibition is on until April 6th and the Footlume is in the Concept Products section near the main entrance.
