# Mini-Sub Mavericks Laid-Off Factory Worker Zhang Wuyi is Resourceful By Josh Triantafilou | Published 2012-03-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhang-wuyi References: [designbuzz](http://www.designbuzz.com/idle-chinese-factor-worker-commercializes-diy-mini-submarine.html) & [offbeatchina](http://offbeatchina.com/laid-off-worker-in-china-builds-mini-submarines-one-for-20-grands-and-3-already-sold) Chinese factory worker Zhang Wuyi may have been laid off from his job at a textile factory in Wuhan but he is certainly not hurting for work. He has been producing fully-functioning [mini-submarines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seanxt-elite). Furthermore, these subs are for sale. This has provided Zhang Wuyi and his team a tidy income that allows them to continue their work. The submarines may not be up to exploring the open oceans, but they are perfect for a lake or river with a slow current. It is in environmentss such as these that Zhang Wuyi and his team test out their creations. His team is comprised of ten people: Zhang Wuyi himself, a few engineers and workers. The resourcefulness of this crew is admirable. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [DIY](https://www.trendhunter.com/diy) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **DIY Submarine Manufacturing:** Opportunity for individuals or small teams to manufacture and sell fully-functioning mini-submarines. - **Utilizing Local Resources:** Exploration of ways to create innovative products using locally available resources and skills. - **Niche Submarine Market:** Potential for a specialized market catering to lakes and rivers with slow currents. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Marine Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in manufacturing and commercializing smaller, affordable, and locally-built submarines. - **Adventure Tourism:** Opportunity to offer unique submarine experiences in lakes and rivers with slow currents as a niche tourism attraction. - **Resourceful Entrepreneurship:** Chance for small business owners to find inventive uses for local resources and create niche products like mini-submarines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Arm-Attached Underwater Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-scooters.md) - [Tourism-Focused Electric Submersibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-submersible.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Submarine-Storing Superyachts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/submarine-storing-luxury-yacht.md) - [Manta Ray-Inspired Submarines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kronos-armored-submarine.md) - [DIY Life-Size Tanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nd-woodworking-art.md) - [Underwater Productivity Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifish-v6-expert.md) - [Lavish Entertaining Submarines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uboat-worx-uwep.md) - [Autonomous Undersea Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/undersea-vehicle.md)