Lights powered by traffic vibrations, a 3D printed facial prosthesis base, and a two-in-one tramping stick make up the innovative Kiwi ideas in an international design competition.
Three young inventors are finalists in the New Zealand section of the 2014 James Dyson Awards.
Manoocher Zarif, 23, designed a device to harvest traffic vibrations and convert them to electricity. It turns excess man-made energy into lighting for billboards and signs, and as a source of electricity for urban areas.
Zach Challies, 24, designed a 3D printed base to attach facial prosthetics more securely and comfortably, connecting to three implants in the skull via magnets.
"Using 3D technology, we can custom-fit the system to the wearer's face. The parts would be cheap and easy to reprint, and the wearer could have a few spare," Challies said.
James Skeggs, 23, designed a pair of handles which attach to sticks to form trekking poles or can be joined to be one long fording pole to help gauge and cross rivers.
Five New Zealand entries, including the three national finalists, will compete for the international award, which comes with a prize of $60,000 to commercialise their idea, and $20,000 for the designer's university.
The New Zealand winner will be announced on Wednesday.