Inflatable

Way back in 2016, GoBoat introduced an odd-looking boating craft that sat the single occupant in the middle of a huge inflatable ring, and could be collapsed down for transport on land. Now the company has launched the much-improved Gen 2.0 PWC.

If you've ever tried piloting a drone, you'll know that they end up running into walls, trees or whatnot … often getting damaged in the process. An experimental inflatable-body drone, however, just bounces off obstacles – plus it can grasp onto them.

X-Gloo looks to make the pop-up camper van roof inflatable. It's teamed with one of Europe's leading pop-up roof builders to create a blazingly styled VW concept van with a pop-top that inflates into position and offers improved insulation.

People suffering from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) often have difficulty raising their arms, due to deterioration of cells in their brain and spinal cord. A new wearable system is designed to help, utilizing a pair of under-arm balloons.

While most people wear a PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, such is typically not the case when they're swimming in open water. A new prototype wristband is designed for such scenarios, as it features floatation airbags that can be manually deployed if needed.

A watercraft quite unlike others, the Portless Catamaran is a large inflatable that rides to the water in a motor vehicle. It quickly inflates into a dual-deck cruiser and lounge propelled along cleanly and quietly by a small electric outboard.

Although inflatable stand-up paddle boards are popular due to their portability, most of them still aren't light enough to carry for long distances. The Chasm-Lite is an exception, as it's reportedly the world's lightest, most compact inflatable SUP.

We've heard how 3D-printed concrete buildings can be built quickly and easily, but could there be an even faster and simpler method? According to inventor Alex Bell, there is – and it involves inflating buildings, then pumping concrete into them.

The immune system’s foreign body response is key for keeping us healthy – but it’s not so useful when that foreign body is a medical implant. A new device prevents scar tissue forming around implants by gently inflating and deflating every 12 hours.

The latest Heimplanet tent is designed for duos who like to be well-prepared. A new evolution of Heimplanet's inflatable geodesic design creates a tent with a low weight, plenty of stability, and room for two+ people and the gear they brought.

Some people find tents with poles to be a little too fiddly to set up, which is one of the main reasons why inflatable tents were invented. Aerogogo's Giga tent takes the easiness factor a step further, by automatically inflating itself.

Even more convenient than the average inflatable camper, the rugged Mars Space X Air steps further into full automation. It unfolds, inflates and stabilizes at the push of a few buttons, creating a roomy base camp for up to six people.