# Hi-Tech Pop-Up Shelters The 'Exo' Emergency Shelter is the Most Advanced in the Field By Christopher Magsambol | Published 2015-09-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-shelters References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/2015/08/reaction-housing-exo-shelter/?mbid=social_twitter) & [reactionhousing](http://www.reactionhousing.com/) In the wake of the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, advances in [emergency pop-up shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seoul-wing) have been taking place. The devastation of Katrina inspired former graphic designer Michael McDaniel to create a new type of emergency shelter from an unlikely source -- a paper cup. After seeing the teepee-shaped cup in his hand, McDaniel conceived of a technologically advanced [pop-up emergency shelter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cube-tent) that could be extremely helpful in natural disasters. The Exo pods are 10 feet tall, and have a double bed and bunk bed, which can house up to four people. The Exo's honeycomb composition is made from a [sustainable material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allspace-1) that lasts for ten years and is easily recyclable. Each pod has NFC locks, ventilation and climate control. McDaniel's unusual paper cup inspiration is evident in the transportation of these pods -- they are stacked on top of each other. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pop-up Emergency Shelters:** The development of advanced pop-up emergency shelters with sustainable materials and technological advancements offers opportunities for companies to innovate in the emergency preparedness industry. - **Sustainable Materials for Shelter Construction:** The use of sustainable materials such as honeycomb composite for shelter construction can disrupt the traditional building materials industry while addressing environmental concerns. - **Smart Shelter Technology:** Integrating internet of things technology such as NFC locks, ventilation and temperature control in emergency shelters creates opportunities for companies offering smart home solutions to expand their products into the emergency preparedness industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Emergency Preparedness:** Companies in the emergency preparedness industry can utilize advanced pop-up emergency shelters as a new product line that integrates sustainable materials and smart home technology. - **Construction Materials:** Innovative shelter construction materials such as honeycomb composite can disrupt traditional building materials by providing eco-friendly alternatives. - **Smart Home Solutions:** Companies offering smart home technology can expand their product line by integrating their products in emergency shelters making them more connected and technically advanced. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Origami-Inspired Disaster Relief Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefab-folding-pods.md) - [Pop-Up Emergency Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-nova-bothy-bag.md) - [Inflatable Four-Season Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-station-pod01.md) - [Consolidated Camping Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consolidated-camping-shelter.md) - [Compactly Cubical Camping Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cubical-camping-shelters.md) - [Eco-Friendly Modular Refugee Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allspace-1.md) - [Structural Single-Person Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oneperson-tent.md) - [Experimental Shelter Tents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grayhus.md) - [Climate-Responsive Prefab Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drop-pod.md)