Karu
Portable, Self Stabilizing,
Active Baby Stroller
Stabilization System for All-Terrain Mobility
Karu is a self-stabilizing insert designed to integrate with existing baby strollers, enhancing mobility across uneven terrain while maintaining the infant’s stability. Its dual-axis gimbal-based suspension system absorbs movement in real time, reducing disturbances during transport.
The development process involved exploring multiple structural configurations, material combinations, and damping mechanisms. The final design leverages aluminum, technical plastics, and performance textiles to deliver a lightweight, durable, and adaptable solution for daily and outdoor use.
5
Product Development Phases
2
Marketing Development Phases
200+
hours of Design & Development
Concept Development:
Early exploration of structure, motion, and user integration
The development of Karu began with a functional analysis of existing stroller solutions, focusing on mobility, stability, and integration.
Concept exploration included sketches and mechanical studies to evaluate different structural and suspension configurations.
Insights from market and user research guided decisions on form and usability. This iterative process resulted in a geometry optimized for balance and portability, and introduced a dual-axis gimbal system designed to stabilize the bassinet during motion across uneven terrain.
3D Interactive Viewer
Engineering:
Design validation through mechanics, simulation, and system layout
Karu’s mechanical design was developed to ensure structural integrity and responsive performance in dynamic conditions. The frame features optimized weight distribution and a dual-axis stabilization system that minimizes tilt and vibration when navigating uneven terrain.
Finite element analysis and load simulations were used to validate the design under various stress scenarios. Component-level decisions—such as the spring configuration, bearing placement, and material thickness—were refined to balance strength, weight, and motion control, ensuring consistent stability during real-world use.
Prototyping:
Physical iteration to test functionality, fit, and modular assemblies
The prototyping phase began with the reverse engineering of commercial stroller models to establish reference dimensions and structural constraints. These insights informed a 3D design framework tailored to support the dual-axis stabilization system.
Custom components were modeled and fabricated using 3D printing to validate mechanical fit and functional performance. This iterative process enabled rapid testing and refinement of assemblies, ensuring component compatibility and structural coherence prior to scaling for manufacturing.
Rendering:
Visual simulation for design evaluation and stakeholder communication
To visualize Karu prior to physical production, high-fidelity renderings were developed based on the finalized 3D model. Each element—from structural frames to soft goods—was rendered with accurate materials, surface details, and lighting conditions to reflect the product’s intended appearance.
The renderings served as a communication tool to illustrate key design features, component interactions, and the overall form factor. These visuals supported early-stage validation, stakeholder presentations, and pre-production documentation without requiring a physical prototype.
Sourcing:
Production planning through cost analysis and supplier benchmarking
To prepare Karu for production, multiple manufacturing partners—both domestic and international—were evaluated based on capabilities, material quality, and cost structure. A comparative quoting process was conducted to assess consistency across proposals and identify the most suitable production source.
The selection criteria prioritized manufacturing precision, scalability, and alignment with the project’s technical requirements, ensuring the final product met performance and budget expectations.
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