We can’t help but think of the famous Arthur C. Clarke quote: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” But all magic can be explained. Even that of the self-filling Fontus waterbottle, brainchild of Austrian industrial designer Kristof Retezár.
As a solar-powered bike accessory, it takes in air as you roll along, electrically condenses the water vapor and then collects the droplets. Even better, filters make it drinkable. Under ideal (hot and humid) conditions, it’s supposedly able to produce half a quart in an hour.
That’s a much better alternative than pedaling for a few minutes, getting exhausted and dehydrated because you are woefully out of shape, and then stopping at a 7-Eleven only to realize you have no cash.
Of course, this technology also has less sporty and more globally conscious ramifications. Just imagine what this could do for the literally billions of folks on the planet for whom water’s scarce.
And on a much less altruistic yet still scientifically curious note, we can’t help but wonder if a Fontus-like device could be created that brews beer while you ride. Asking for a friend.