In a constantly moving fast-paced world, experience a moment suspended in time, with a light bulb that levitates. The Flyte: Levitating Light by Flyte is an innovative new invention featuring a lightbulb powered by the air. Launched in April 2015, the Flyte Kickstarter campaign captured the imaginations of thousands of backers and was fully funded in just two days. Ending with a total of $617,258 pledged by 2,085 backers, the gravity-defying lightbulb more than exceeded its initial target of $80,000 to become Sweden’s highest ever funded crowdfunded project.
The Man Behind the Levitating Light
Invented by the Swedish designer Simon Morris, the Flyte: Levitating Light was born from his lifelong fascination with blending science and art. His interest in magnetically levitating objects began in 2009, and he has since even designed floating shoes for Nike. The next step, as Simon saw it, was to introduce wireless power into the art of levitation, and thus the levitating lightbulb was created.
The Flyte’s Sustainable Minimalist Design
Named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2016, the Flyte light itself embodies its Swedish heritage with its minimalistic Scandinavian design. It is manufactured directly in Sweden from sustainably sourced oak, ash and walnut, so not only does it look good, but it’s also good for the environment. In fact, Flyte uses energy-efficient LEDs that last around 50,000 hours, which works out to 11 years of use when used 12 hours a day! The solid wooden base can also double as a wireless charging station for your smartphone, a testament to the impressive combination of innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
How Does the Levitation Work?
So how does the lightbulb actually float? Building on the work of the great Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla who first created a wireless power transfer transmission system, the team at Flyte constructed a base that wirelessly transfers power to the bulb through induction, and then added magnetic levitation to the mix. An electromagnet hidden inside the wooden base creates a magnetic force that pushes the magnet inside the bulb up from the base, while gravity works to pull down that very same magnet. These two opposing forces combine to produce the magic of levitation.
How to Use the Flyte
Due to this ingeniously simple system, using your Flyte couldn’t be easier. Slowly lower the lightbulb over the centre of the magnetic base and watch as the LEDs in the shatterproof bulb light up and you begin to feel an upward resistance. When the electro-magnets have magically centred the bulb into its optimum position on the base, you will feel a light release of resistance. At this point, gently let go of the bulb and it will lock into position, light up with a soft, warm white glow, and start slowly rotating. To turn your Flyte on and off, all you need to do is touch the wooden surface of its base. You can, however, continue enjoying your Flyte lamp even when it is unlit, as the bulb will continue to levitate and rotate even when the light itself is turned off, making it a stunning showpiece for all hours of the day.
The Flyte: Levitating light is a stunning combination of artistry, technology, and sustainability. Both a work of art and a science experiment, a source of light and a mesmerising glimpse of magic, it is no wonder that the Flyte lamp has found itself in homes and offices all over the world. Set the lightbulb free with Flyte today.
