# Loopy Solar Loungers SOFT Rockers are Oscillating Recliners that Charge Your Gadgets Outdoors By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-05-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-rockers References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/blog/furniture_design/recharge_yourself_and_your_electronics_with_kvas_solar-powered_soft_rockers_19239.asp) & [arts.mit.edu](http://arts.mit.edu/fast/soft-rockers/#media) Come summertime, you may be faced with the decision of staying in to juice up your phone, or heading out into the rays to charge your own batteries, but happily, [SOFT Rockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/treefree-diapers1) provide an excellent way to accomplish both. A professor at [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-trusses), Sheila Kennedy worked closely with a team of interns and Kennedy & Violich Architecture to design these teardop loungers fit to sit outside in Killian Court. Their appeal lies in a number of clever features, which include a [solar panel strip](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eo-canopy) on top, neon lighting added for after dark illumination and built-in battery and outlets compatible with cellphones and laptop computers. Where aesthetics are concerned, the SOFT Rockers have a contemporary elegance achieved through their bowed wooden forms, elaborate filigree detailing and comfortable inner organic curvatures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Solar-powered Loungers:** Solar panel strips integrated into outdoor loungers provide a convenient way to charge electronic devices while enjoying the sun. - **Outdoor Charging Solutions:** Designing furniture with built-in batteries and outlets opens up opportunities for creating innovative outdoor charging solutions. - **Contemporary Sustainable Design:** The use of organic shapes, elegant materials, and renewable energy sources in furniture design showcases the trends in contemporary sustainable design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Furniture Manufacturing:** The integration of solar panels and charging capabilities in outdoor furniture presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for furniture manufacturers. - **Renewable Energy:** The growing demand for solar-powered outdoor charging solutions creates opportunities for companies in the renewable energy industry. - **Technology:** The development of furniture with built-in battery and outlet systems opens up new possibilities for companies in the technology industry to expand their product offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Inflation Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerogogo-ps1.md) - [Solar-Powered Heated Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-solar-seat.md) - [Rotating Solar Powered Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eness-1.md) - [Urban Solar Charging Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perovia.md) - [Grid-Connected Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-electric-pavilion.md) - [Energy-Producing Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ya18-stool.md) - [Sleek Portable Air Recliners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zlounger.md) - [Ergonomic Inflated Reclined Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/johannes-faurebrac.md) - [Scandinavian-Inspired Floating Daybeds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poolsofa.md)