soft rocker – solar powered recharging station all images by philip ropert, courtesy of MIT

soft rocker‘ is a solar powered outdoor rocking lounger whereby you can relax and recharge your electronics. developed by architecture students at MIT, lead by professor sheila kennedy, the furniture piece uses the human power of balance to create an interactive 1.5 axis, 35 watt solar tracking system. the lounger utilizes a 12-ampere hour battery storing the solar energy harvested during sunlight hours so you to charge your gadgets even after sunset.

a number of ‘soft rockers’ are currently installed within MIT’s killian court for use until the end of this weekend.

MIT soft rocker   solar powered sun lounger up close of the ‘soft rocker’

MIT soft rocker   solar powered sun lounger the loungers make for a good place to socialize and engage in group work

MIT soft rocker   solar powered sun lounger the solar powered charging station

MIT soft rocker   solar powered sun lounger the battery also allows you to turn on a strip of light tape that runs along the interior of the lounger

MIT soft rocker   solar powered sun lounger

via dvice