20 inventions that could change our world

Problem: Traditional casts are heavy, clumsy, not waterproof, itchy and smelly. In addition they cannot be recycled. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3454&RegionId=14&Winindex=0">Cortex is a 3D printed cast system</a> for fracture support. It is a lightweight, ergonomic, waterproof and ventilated support. After 3D scanning the limb a tight fitting cast is generated, with localised support in relation to the point of fracture. A strong recyclable plastic is used to reduce waste material. (Cortex/Jake Evill/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Britain has 11,073km of coastline and the potential to produce 40-70KWh per metre, yet we harnesses less than 1% of this free, powerful resource. Current wave converters only harvest energy from waves moving on one axis, but in reality the sea and waves do not move in a predictable, linear, fashion. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3681&RegionId=19&Winindex=0">RWP</a> is a device that absorbs forces from the peaks and troughs of waves on any axis, from any direction - making it more durable and more effective. (Sam Etherington/Renewable Wave Power/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Currently diabetics use a device which breaks the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. Based on these results they adjust the level of insulin they have to inject. This can be fiddly, painful and time consuming. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3735&RegionId=8&Winindex=0">Gluco</a> uses the patient’s smartphone linked to a watch to measure their blood sugar levels. This eliminates the need to break the skin. As insulin pen takes the results from the watch and prepares the appropriate dosage. If sugar levels become too high or too low, the information is transmitted to a nominated contact. (Gluco/Florian Lemaitre/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: If gadgets run out of battery when you are on the move it can be difficult to charge them. Current solutions largely rely on batteries. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3962&RegionId=9&Winindex=0">Xarius</a> is a portable energy generator that allows the charging of electrical appliances using windpower – making it suitable for areas with limited access to mains electricity. It is composed of a foldable three-wing-system and an internal energy generator. (David Engelhorn/Xarius/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Occupational lifters such as warehouse workers face increased risk of arm and back injuries because they repeatedly lift heavy items. Those who have sustained arm or back injuries face a lengthy process to rebuild muscle and strength. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3414&RegionId=1&Winindex=0">Titan arm</a> is an upper-body exoskeleton that augments human strength. It augments the user’s arm strength to reduce fatigue, and braces the back to prevent poor lifting posture. Titan arm can also be used to help stroke and injury victims rebuild muscle and re-learn fine motor control as well as assist people who suffer from permanent injuries or disabilities. (Titan arm/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: In high contact sport concussion is common, but often it is difficult to ascertain whether the player requires medical attention. Undiagnosed concussion can have a significant impact on long-term health. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3466&RegionId=11&Winindex=0">Mamori</a> is a gum shield with integrated sensors. It measures any impact on a sportsman and transmits the data to medical staff at the side of the pitch. If contact to the head reaches a certain level the medical staff are able to react quickly and appropriately. (Mark Dillon/Mamori/James Dyson Award)

Problem: The coarse wool industry creates a vast volume of waste product that mostly goes to landfill. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3536&RegionId=0&Winindex=0">BioWool</a> uses this waste material to make a biodegradable, flame resistant, biopolymer. It can be moulded into a variety of products and made with two finishes: one similar to plastic, the second hard on one side and soft like felt on the other. The material is made by carding the wool and then using needles to shred and pull the fibres together. After this a bio-resin is added to create a polymer that can be shaped and moulded. (Dan McLoughlin/BioWool/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Dexterous prosthetic hands are expensive. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3897&RegionId=13&Winindex=0">Handie</a> is an affordable prosthetic hand with inbuilt myoelectric sensors which can read brain signals. Costs have been reduced by using a smartphone to compute the electrical impulses on the skin’s surface. All components of the hand are easily modified and reproduced using a 3D printer. The hand relies on one motor that changes trajectory depending on the shape of an object. (Hiroshi Yamaura/Handie/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Fruits and vegetables are best stored and ripened in specific conditions. The fridge is not always the optimum place to store them. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3453&RegionId=16&Winindex=0">OLTU</a> uses the excess heat produced behind the fridge to power a separate tower unit. It contains four sections tailored to the favored conditions of different fruit and vegetables - cold dry, cold wet, fresh wet and dry warm. (Fabio Molinas/OLTU/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Oxygen therapy is the fastest way to medically treat someone suffering from a sudden severe asthma attack. Existing oxygen cylinders are heavy (particularly for children) and expensive. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3382&RegionId=2&Winindex=0">Roam</a> is a more practical oxygen cylinder – easy to use and simple to transport. Created for young children, Roam includes an innovative nasal mask that gently rests on the users face as they breathe in oxygen. (ShanShan Wang/Roam/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: Minimally invasive surgery leads to small incisions that can be difficult to suture. Solution: The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=3678&RegionId=5&Winindex=0">automated suturing tool</a> is aimed for laparoscopic surgery, invasive surgery focused on the abdominal area. Eliminating the need for manual suturing means the device can save valuable time in the operating room, save money for hospitals and free up operating rooms for other patients. (Robotic Surgery: Automated Suturing Tool/Karl Price/James Dyson Foundation)

Problem: On traditional stretchers, patients must be lifted and placed onto the canvas. Moving the patient can often cause secondary injury – sometimes worse than the initial injury. Solution: <a target="_blank" href="http://jamesdysonaward.org/FileHandler.ashx?Data=WYhHicKtf5GpDRNYkrmybkAaRmbzMCFtREdvx3A4Gjs%3d">Lenify</a> is divided into three pieces, allowing first responders to slide head, body and leg sections under the patient in turn, minimizing how much they have to adjust the patient. It is secured by a handle locking element. (Ta-Chi Lin/Lenify/James Dyson Foundation)