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THE Ori umbrella it’s one of those personal items that we might consider almost disposable: not because it’s meant to be short-lived, but because we often forget it or break it – every year, more than 1.2 billion umbrellas buckle, tear and end up in landfills. Ori’s new work aims precisely to redefine this everyday object and elevate it, turning it into something more refined and desirable.
From sudden gusts of wind to accidental impacts, the ribbed structure of traditional umbrellas often fails: the spokes bend, the metal frames collapse and the fabric tears. The brand redefines the accessory by eliminating the typical points of failure – the metal frame and fabric canopy. By removing the weak points, it ensures a smoother and more reliable experience for everyday users in all weathers.
© Ori Umbrella
© Ori Umbrella
© Ori Umbrella
© Ori Umbrella
© Ori Umbrella
© Ori Umbrella
The principle behind the new concept is simple: a portable, compact device that remains functional while removing the conventional frame and ribs. Inspiration comes from advanced robotics, next-generation materials and aerospace origami – a field that applies the principles of paper folding to design compact deployable structures used in space technologies.
THE Ori umbrella developed by a team of world-renowned origami experts and MIT-trained engineers who spent years studying development systems used in aerospace, architecture and robotics. The result is a product where the dome itself becomes the structure.
“By combining composite materials, a tension-lock structure and Miura compression, we turned a full-size 1-meter dome into a 3-centimeter cylinder without sacrificing strength, durability or elegance.“, the team reports.
The model takes the form of a 23 cm long rounded tube with a diameter of 3.5 cm, making it the smallest full size umbrella ever created. What elevates the object beyond a simple rain accessory is not only the engineering of the material but also the integrated smart interface with an OLED screen. Users can customize the display with visual themes that adapt to mood or weather conditions via MoodShift, choose personalized color palettes via Display Aura and check environmental data using AirSense, which provides measurements of air quality, fine particles and UV levels via built-in sensors.
Taking a closer look at the project, this umbrella is a high-tech product protected by four patents and is built around a frameless origami dome and an advanced smart folding system. Its multi-layer nano-coated composite top repels water and blocks harmful UV rays, while the reinforced stretch structure ensures stability even in high winds. The built-in electronics are powered by a high-performance battery designed for months of use and hundreds of folding cycles. Its design also allows for effortless portability, easily fitting into bags or briefcases without added bulk.
As the brand explains: “This product embodies our belief that everyday essentials can be engineered to be smarter, smaller, stronger and designed with true purpose.”
Currently, the product is available exclusively through the Founders Club, a limited group of early supporters who help shape the first generation of the model. Members receive priority delivery before public release, a unique engraved serial number, early access to new features and prototypes, and front-of-the-line privileges for future releases.
Ori is more than just a rain accessory. introduces a new category of personal devices – discreet yet capable of protecting and informing its user. Unlike traditional umbrellas, which often break, bend or fail from wind and use, this modern development transforms an ordinary object into a smart product through advanced materials, engineering, origami principles and digital functionality, offering durability, compactness and interactive features previously impossible.
