More people are now living in smaller spaces. Along with people who are not able to afford a larger living space, a new trend the past few years has been small living spaces as a choice. This leaves many people in need of a solution of how to make the most of their small space.
Ikea has the answer. The DIY furniture company is launching Rognan, a robotic furniture system that can divide living space into smaller sections and convert to other pieces as needed.
Ikea’s Rognan Robotic Furniture System
Rognan was developed in collaboration with Ori Living, an American furniture startup. Ori first developed the idea of automated furniture in 2014 with their MIT’s CityHome concept project. It later launched as Ori Systems, selling for $10,000 to real estate developers and Airbnbs.
Ori’s robotic platform has been integrated with Ikea’s Platsa line of storage furniture, though it’s also compatible with Ikea’s Tradfri line of cabinet and wardrobe smart lighting.
They have developed the Rognan, a large storage unit that contains a bed, desk, and couch. Controlled by a touchpad, it can be pulled out when needed and can divide a small room into two separate living spaces.
This system is designed for people who live in urban areas so that they can make the most of their small living space. The Rognan system can add eight square meters (86 square feet) of living space. If you are struggling in a small space, it can make all the difference.
“Instead of making the furniture smaller, we transform the furniture to the function that you need at that time,” said Seana Strawn, Ikea product developer. “When you sleep, you do not need your sofa. When you use your wardrobe, you do not need your bed.”
Availability
With plans to launch first in 2020 in Hong Kong, it’s not known how much the Rognan will cost, but Ikea is known for being low cost, so perhaps this partnership will make it more affordable. Since many people who live in small spaces do so because they can’t afford something bigger, trying to sell them an expensive system just isn’t going to work.
Yet, the system shows much promise with the idea of only having the parts of the system available to you that you’re going to be using at the time. Once the robotics factor in, it becomes easy to use, as you won’t need to be pushing heavy pieces around your living space.
Is Ikea’s Rognan robotic furniture system something you would add to your home? Do you think this is the furniture of the future? Add your thoughts to the comments below.
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