James Dyson Award 2026: two inventions that detect invisible hazards have been recognised

The idea is to transform a component already used in construction – the spacer for steel reinforcement – into a sensor capable of monitoring the integrity of the concrete. Thanks to the use of conductive materials, the device measures changes in electrical resistance associated with the formation of cracks. An electronic module collects the data and transmits any anomalies to an online platform, enabling the identification of potential damage requiring further investigation.

Sentinel rende il monitoraggio strutturale più accessibile per capire se un edificio è ancora sicuro dopo un terremoto, soprattutto nei Paesi esposti a terremoti e altri eventi naturali.

The project stems from an NGO’s pioneering research into self-diagnostic concrete and was developed through tests carried out on over 125 samples. One of the most interesting aspects is the cost: the production of a single sensor element is estimated at just 10 Philippine pesos, equivalent to around 14 euro cents, excluding the other components required for the system to function.

The aim is to make structural monitoring as accessible as possible, particularly in countries prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters. “After an earthquake, serious damage inside a concrete building can be invisible and potentially fatal,” noted James Dyson, emphasising how the system could help identify risky situations before they worsen.

Sentinel has already been installed in a building in the Philippines, but development is not yet complete. Ong is now aiming to refine the electronics, improve the reliability of the monitoring system and adapt the technology for use in existing buildings as well, thereby expanding its range of applications.

The challenge will be to assess the long-term effectiveness of structural monitoring, by verifying the sensors’ ability to operate in different environmental conditions and to report any anomalies promptly. This is a particularly interesting prospect in areas at high risk of earthquakes, where the ability to monitor the condition of buildings using low-cost systems could help to improve emergency prevention and management.

Sophia DeVito, Cleo Pontone e Radhika Saran, tre studentesse del Master in Design Engineering della Harvard University

The second global winner tackles a very different problem, but one that is just as difficult to recognise promptly: concussions in contact sports. It is called RumbleRims and is a wearable device designed to carry out an initial neurological screening directly on the sidelines following a possible head injury.

Concussions are, in fact, one of the most sensitive issues in contact sports. Symptoms may be subtle or only appear some time after the injury, whilst a premature return to sport exposes the athlete to further risks. RumbleRims aims to help identify suspected cases, without replacing the clinical assessment required to make a diagnosis and decide when it is safe to return to play.

RumbleRims è un dispositivo indossabile progettato per effettuare un primo screening neurologico, dopo un possibile trauma cranico.

It was developed by Sophia DeVito, Cleo Pontone and Radhika Saran, three students on the Master’s programme in Design Engineering at Harvard University, who won an award in the global category dedicated to medicine. The system takes the form of a headset fitted with infrared cameras that monitor eye movements. During the test, the athlete must follow a moving light with their eyes as it moves across a screen. The device records the eye movements, looking for changes that could be associated with a concussion.

“It is a device designed to be worn after sustaining a blow during a match, which enables the athlete to carry out a two- or three-minute oculomotor test capable of detecting certain neurological signs associated with concussion,” explained Sophia DeVito.

The results are processed via a linked app, which enables sports staff to view the data and generate a report that can be shared with healthcare professionals. The aim is to provide a tool that is quick and relatively easy to use, even in sporting environments where a specialist doctor is not immediately available.

The technology, however, still has to pass a crucial stage: clinical validation. The research team intends to develop a more advanced prototype, conduct trials with athletes and healthcare professionals, and subsequently launch pilot projects in schools. “We want to continue developing it and obtain scientific confirmation of its effectiveness, so that we can really make a difference,” said Cleo Pontone.