Wild and wacky inventions go on show

A hands-free umbrella, parachutes for airplanes and other quirky inventions went on display yesterday at the opening of the world’s biggest fair for new gadgets. Even the ribbon-cutting was done by a humanoid robot.

The 40th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva opened its doors yesterday for five exciting days during which exhibitors will present their newest inventions to a vast array of investors, manufacturers, users, researchers, and the international press.

According to a report by John Heilprin of the Associated Press, a thousand inventions all had their debut in Geneva, including a robotic claw hand, a high-tech screen to play simulated golf and a ball designed to protect its user from electromagnetic waves generated by household devices.

Television, radio and microwaves all use electromagnetic waves that vary according to wavelength, energy and frequency. Jaques Surbeck of Geneva said the ball aims to improve health.

“This one works in order to linearize the waves in order to allow them to be compatible with the biological experience,” he said.

Officials said 789 exhibitors from 46 countries and 60,000 visitors are expected at the fair, which runs until Sunday. From 18–22 April 2012,

And, you might win one of our outstanding prizes awarded by an international jury to help you launch your invention commercially.

Covering more than 91,000 square feet of space, the exhibition attracts almost 60,000 visitors and 650 journalists from five continents.

“We can hardly believe this given the cost of the Swiss franc and the economic situation throughout the world,” said the fair’s president, Jean-Luc Vincent.

An international flavour and the draw of the unexpected certainly appeal to visitors.

“There are many funny inventions, and I recognize that people from many different countries are here,” said visitor Christine Epiney.

Located on Lake Geneva and surrounded by two mountain chains, Geneva is home to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and is an international marketplace for goods, inventions, ideas, and cultures. The International Exhibition of Inventions therefore offers endless opportunities for inventors to meet others from high-profile businesses dedicated to advancing science and industry.