CES in Las Vegas is always full of surprises, especially if you’re caught off guard by AI-driven toasters and foldable gadgets no one requested.
However, amidst the plethora of new devices showcased at the world’s largest consumer technology expo this week, it shouldn’t come as a shock that some innovative products genuinely address a significant need. For those in South Africa, particularly Johannesburg dwellers used to frequent water shortages, the Kara Pod is quite captivating. It’s essentially a contraption that claims to convert air into high-quality drinking water – and requires no magic wand or even municipal permission (which is effectively the same thing). More importantly, it also brews coffee on demand.
What is it?
Branded as the “world’s first self-refilling coffee machine,” the Kara Pod asserts its ability to extract water from the atmosphere, enhance it with minerals, and present it in an alkaline state. Additionally, it serves as an appliance for brewing coffee and tea.
The invention has received a CES Innovation Award, but hundreds of other gadgets have also garnered accolades, and numerous past winners have vanished without a trace or even a “Find-my” notification.
The “Make water out of nothing! Astonish your friends!” marketing surrounding the Kara Pod resembles a late-night infomercial, yet the science is valid. This appliance utilizes air-to-water technology, a concept that has existed for years but is seldom packaged into something this consumer-friendly.
It functions by drawing in air, condensing the moisture, and converting it into drinkable water. Then it adds minerals to produce alkaline water: akin to a green juice cleanse – favored by those who believe pH levels influence their well-being.
How does it work?
Air-to-water technology, also referred to as atmospheric water generation, or AWG, extracts moisture from the atmosphere, which serves as a plentiful but untapped reservoir of water vapor. The fundamental principle involves cooling the air to a temperature below the dew point – the stage at which water vapor condenses into liquid form.
Two primary techniques are typically employed, with the most prevalent being condensation-based AWG, which utilizes a fan to draw in air, a refrigeration system to chill the air until water vapor condenses into liquid on a cold surface, and a filter to purify the gathered water.
A second technique, the “desiccant-based AWG,” employs materials known as desiccants – silica gel is one example – to absorb moisture from the air. The desiccant is heated to expel the water vapor, which is subsequently cooled and condensed into liquid, and then filtered for safe consumption.
At CES, the company demonstrated how the Kara Pod could seamlessly integrate into a contemporary kitchen or office environment without standing out like an outdated printer. Unlike bulky air purifiers or water coolers, this device appears designed to blend in.
For individuals not contending with water shortages, there is one vital inquiry: can it truly brew a satisfactory cup of coffee, or is it merely an afterthought? The Kara Pod is still in its pre-launch phase, so the verdict is still pending. The same applies to other unanswered queries. What level of maintenance does the system require? How frequently will filters and other components need replacement?
Ultimately, it must be acknowledged that this is a luxury item targeted at a tech-savvy demographic, rather than a broad-scale solution for the global water crisis. Yes, it could genuinely assist communities with restricted access to clean drinking water, but it’s more likely to be a niche offering for gadget enthusiasts.
What does it cost?
The Kara Pod remains in its pre-launch phase, and pricing information is not yet available.
Why does it matter?
In contrast to a kitchen tap filter or an overpriced water delivery service, this device operates independently of existing water systems. It’s a lifesaver for regions where water quality is dubious or non-existent – consider disaster-stricken areas, remote sites, or cities facing water scarcity. Hello Johannesburg?
Environmentally, it’s an appealing proposition. By generating water on-site, Kara Pod eliminates the necessity for bottled water and diminishes the ecological impact of plastic waste.
The company asserts that the machine utilizes compostable pods for its coffee and tea functionalities, which helps alleviate concerns regarding the introduction of yet another pod system in a world already inundated with them.
What are the biggest negatives?
- Cooling air to the dew point or regenerating desiccants requires energy, posing efficiency challenges.
- Performance relies on humidity and temperature.
- Purchasing and operational costs are likely to be high, particularly for widespread use.
What are the biggest positives?
- Delivers water in regions with limited or nonexistent access to freshwater sources.
- It is portable and can function independently, decreasing reliance on centralized water supply systems.
- It can create coffee out of thin air (and compatible pods). Need I add more?
* Arthur Goldstuck is the CEO of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Bluesky at @art2gee.bsky.social.