After watching Japan get devastated by a tsunami in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake, Australian boat builder Matt Duncan decided to put his skills to good use and create the Tsunami Survival Pod.
Using the same spiral-welded steel used to build houseboats, Duncan designed the Tsunami Survival Pod to provide safe shelter for up to four people.
In addition to impact-absorbing crumple zones, the pod is outfitted with racing style seats equipped with five-point safety harnesses, a one-inch-thick polycarbonate window, a flashing beacon to alert rescuers and hooks that helicopters can latch onto for airlifting purposes. And, if the pod happens to get covered in debris, the hatch opens inward to allow fresh air to circulate until help arrives.
The pod is designed to be loaded with emergency supplies and act as a survival shelter in the days following a tsunami. "One of the best things about it is it can be stored in the back of the average garage and wheeled out by one person," says Duncan.
With a price tag of $8,900, many wouldn't consider the Tsunami Survival Pod to be a cheap purchase, but, if you live in a part of the world that's frequently hit by tsunamis, it should definitely be considered a worthwhile investment.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Tsunami Preparedness
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop affordable and highly portable survival pods to protect individuals and families from tsunamis.
- Impact-absorbing Technology
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate impact-absorbing crumple zones into various industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace) to enhance safety in extreme situations.
- Compact Emergency Shelters
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture compact, easy-to-store emergency shelters for quick deployment in disaster-prone areas.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Disaster Preparedness
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced tools, equipment, and resources to help individuals and communities prepare for natural disasters.
- Outdoor Recreation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create durable and portable shelters for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers, ensuring safety and protection in rugged environments.
- Maritime Safety
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Engineer innovative solutions (e.g., survival pods, lifeboats) to enhance maritime safety and survival during extreme events like tsunamis.
