The Orrb (also known as Oculas or Ovei pod) is a monocoque-structured device fabricated from 100% recyclable glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). It was originally designed as a relaxation pod for offices, and featured pre-recorded wellness sessions.[1][2][3]

Orrb
Overview
ManufacturerTharsus, Engineering: McLaren
Production2002–2019
AssemblyLondon, UK
DesignerLee McCormack
Body and chassis
ClassPod[disambiguation needed] Wellness Device
Body styleGeometric sphere
LayoutSingle occupant reclining seated configuration
PlatformTwin wall GRP monocoque
DoorsDihedral[disambiguation needed], 1-door capsule[disambiguation needed] or coupé
Dimensions
Length5 feet 7 in (170.18 cm)
Width3 feet 4 in (101.6 cm)
Height6 feet 4.7 in (194.82 cm)
Curb weight89.81 kg (198 lb)

History

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The Orrb was designed by British designer and innovator Lee McCormack in 2002.[4][5] In 2005, he worked with McLaren Applied Technologies, producing a prototype called the “Ovei”.[6][7] The Orrb is equipped with technologies that include surround sound, specific controls for lighting, air quality, and entry and exit.[8]

Applications

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McCormack reported in 2005 that he received positive feedback about the device's effectiveness.[9][5] Orrb has also been used alongside biofeedback therapy to reduce stress among firefighters,[10] and research into in utero hearing.[11]

In 2008, during the CEDIA Expo UK Show, F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill demonstrated usage of the pods.[12][13]

The Orrb appeared at the Grand Designs 2009 exhibition at ExCeL London, delivering show information.[8][6]

The product was commercially released in April 2015.[14][15]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Personal Entertainment Pods (UPDATE)". TrendHunter.com. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  2. ^ "Orrb Isolation Pod". February 5, 2015. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  3. ^ Sorensen, Eric (January 20, 2015). "HotSpot: Orrb Pods Provide a Positive Work Culture". Electrical Engineering News and Products. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  4. ^ "The Ovei Pod: A Sleek New Sanctuary For The Modern Individual – Elite Choice". June 22, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  5. ^ a b Gray, Dave (July 9, 2018). "A design for life: Could this wellness device have major implications for healthcare?". Med-Tech Innovation. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  6. ^ a b "Inside the 'house of the future'". April 28, 2009. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  7. ^ "If It's Hip It's Here | The latest in global design and creativity". www.ifitshipitshere.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Cowan, Matt (May 30, 2009). "Design show offers pods we can escape in". Reuters.
  9. ^ "The Ovei Pod: A Sleek New Sanctuary For The Modern Individual – Elite Choice". June 22, 2011. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  10. ^ "Machine helps firefighters reduce stress". brooklyn.news12.com. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  11. ^ Cox, Sarah (May 16, 2016). "'Womb pod' recreates in utero sound experience". Goldsmiths, University of London. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  12. ^ "Ovei home theater pod: not for claustrophobic, poor people". Yahoo Finance. July 3, 2008. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  13. ^ Marc Chacksfield (June 25, 2008). "Ovei home cinema pod unveiled". TechRadar. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Jozuka, Emiko. "Orrb wellness device takes you away from office stress". Wired.
  15. ^ "The Orrb pod is a place to get away from it all at work". New Atlas. January 15, 2015.
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