Two young inventors from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have won the global Sustainability award at the prestigious James Dyson Award 2024 for their breakthrough weather monitoring device, airXeed Radiosonde. Out of nearly 2,000 entries, Shane Kyi Hla Win and Danial Sufiyan Bin Shaiful claimed the prize for their eco-friendly, reusable radiosonde, receiving S$50,500 to advance their invention.
Tackling a Global E-Waste Issue
Today’s weather stations rely on single-use radiosondes launched with balloons to measure atmospheric data, which is essential for accurate weather forecasting. These devices are used and discarded by the millions each year, producing around 48 tonnes of e-waste—about the weight of 40 cars. After balloons reach high altitudes and burst, radiosondes fall to the ground, often in remote locations where retrieval is challenging, resulting in significant environmental impact.
The industry is valued at over $2.25 billion and forecasted to double by 2032, driven by rising demands across sectors like agriculture and aviation. With extreme weather events increasing, better forecasting tools are urgently needed. Shane and Danial’s airXeed Radiosonde offers a sustainable solution by providing a reusable alternative, reducing both costs and waste.
Nature-Inspired Design for a Sustainable Solution
Inspired by the flight of maple seeds, airXeed Radiosonde uses an autorotating design that mimics the way maple seeds spiral gently to the ground. This innovation allows the radiosonde to descend more controllably, enabling safe landing in accessible locations for easy retrieval and reuse. Their design also features two flight modes and an onboard, machine-learning-powered controller to adjust flight paths, avoid aircraft, and ensure stability.
Crafted with sustainable materials like balsa wood and foam, airXeed Radiosonde minimizes resource use while incorporating modular components for easier recycling and replacement. This makes it not only a smart device but also an environmentally conscious one.
Paving the Way for Real-World Applications
Following their global win, Shane and Danial aim to collaborate with weather stations and sensor manufacturers to test airXeed Radiosonde under real-world conditions. The goal is to refine their design based on field feedback and, ultimately, bring this sustainable innovation to market.
Another Winner in the Medical Field
Joining airXeed Radiosonde in the spotlight is Athena, a scalp-cooling device by 24-year-old designer Olivia Humphrey from Ireland, aimed at preventing hair loss in chemotherapy patients. Athena is compact, affordable, and designed for use beyond hospitals, making it a breakthrough for patient convenience.
The James Dyson Award 2024 received nearly 2,000 entries from 29 countries, including 50 from Singapore. Singaporean students have been consistently recognized by the award since 2006, with entries reaching the global stage for five consecutive years.
