As 2017 comes to an end, we've been working on many end-of-the-year recaps - from the top Boston's startup funding rounds to the tech offices we most envied. For this story, we've taken a look at the video stories that connected most with our readers. The top five is all about tech products ranging from a toy lamp that teaches children STEM skills to the cutest weed-killing robot.
Here are the top five tech video stories of the year:
The Copenhagen Wheel
Not sure whether or not you need "the ultimate city bike"? Our very own Dylan Martin has got you covered with a comprehensive video review, which he shot while personally trying the device on Waitt’s Mount near Malden, Massachusetts. Developed by Cambridge startup Superpedestrian, the prototype was developed by an MIT team in collaboration with the city of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jubilite
Aimed at kids age 8 to 12, the Jubilite lamp comes in a kit of around 20 electrical components that kids can assemble. The kit also includes step-by-step instructions, a vocabulary of technical terms and a screwdriver. Jubilite is an idea of Maria Yang, a professor of mechanical engineer at MIT, and parent company Brainy Yak Lab’s CEO Tony Hu, who asked themselves how to stimulate “the making approach” in kids.
Tertill
Few robots are cute like Tertill. Invented by Joe Jones, known as the inventor of cleaning robot Roomba, Tertill patrols the garden daily and when something short enough passes under its shell, a sensor activates the robot’s weed cutter. Its Kickstarter campaign raised more than $312,000.
Woobo
In October, Cambridge-based startup Woobo launched the first edition of its educational toy for children – a talkative, furry round animal with a high-pitched voice, a variety of gender-neutral activities for kids, a short USB port-shaped tail and a planned retail price of $199. Check out the following story to see how Woobo interacts with users.
ZIRUI
When computer scientist Regina Ye came back from Texas to her college dorm, she discovered that the bottle of her make-up remover oil had leaked inside her suitcase, ruining all her clothes. As a result, Ye founded ZIRUI – a retail company selling a magnetic beauty case that stores liquids safely. The case includes a mirror, three 1-ounce bottles for liquids and one box for other beauty items. All the components come together in a travel-size case that is 4.6 inches long.
