Today, we're excited to introduce you to the latest gadget created by Kazuya Shibata. While it may seem unusual at first glance, this device could be a game-changer for many, particularly those who spend a lot of time relaxing in bed while scrolling on their phones. As some of you may already know, this habit can pose a risk, with the potential for your phone to slip from your hand and land directly on your face. It's a situation many of us can relate to! For those looking to avoid such mishaps, we're thrilled to showcase the innovative work of this Japanese inventor, who aims to both enhance the lives of others and bring joy to those who discover his creations. As he puts it, "The greatest joy for me is seeing people surprised or laughing at my inventions."
Kazuya also shared some personal details about himself: “I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan (near Tokyo). My current dream is to have a workshop that is separate from my home, and it seems like that dream is about to come true."
Meet Kazuya Shibata, a creative mind from Japan known for surprising his followers with the most unique inventions
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
We got in touch with the creative mind from Japan to ask him some questions about his recent invention. First, we were curious about the shield protecting our faces from injuries caused by our phones. Asked how he came up with this idea, Kazuya answered: “I’ve also experienced the pain of dropping my smartphone on my face while using it in bed or on the sofa. I was sure that this is a common problem many people can relate to, so I decided to create a solution.”
Recently, he challenged himself to solve a common problem faced by those who spend a lot of time relaxing in bed while scrolling on their phones and accidentally dropping them
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Kazuya devised a tool featuring a shield that activates as soon as the phone slips from a person's hand and falls toward their face
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
We were also interested in other projects Kazuya has worked on. We found out: “I’ve also created other inventions like ‘A Box That Makes Anything Appear Glamorous,’ ‘A Device That Precisely Presses the X Button on Annoying Web Pop-up Ads,’ and ‘A Device That Automatically Dispenses Tissues One at a Time.’” If you’re curious to learn more about them, you should definitely check them out.
The inventor shared the process of designing his gadget on his YouTube channel, discussing each detail of working on this exciting project
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Asked if there were any investors willing to support his project, Shibata mentioned: “This project was a collaboration with the Japanese home center ‘Cainz.’”
Shibata has also told us more about where his interest in making his innovative devices comes from: “I’ve always loved creating things since I was young. I majored in electrical engineering in college, but I learned most of my skills in mechanical design, electronics, and programming from YouTube.”
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Utilizing 3D printers, he crafted the parts of the shield
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Finally, we wanted to find out if many people turned out to be interested in getting one of his gadgets to protect their head from a phone. The inventor shared with us: “Many people have expressed their desire to own this invention (haha), but in reality, it might not be very useful. For example, when using this device, you have to hold your smartphone at a very high position (with your arm extended) because the sensor that detects the fall of the smartphone is installed at a high position (due to the relationship with the falling speed). Also, the face-protecting shutter fails to close in time about once in every ten times.”
Lastly, he added: “All my inventions are themed around being ‘barely useful,’ and I do not intend to sell them.”
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Shibata also demonstrated the integration of single parts into one piece
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
The next step was to bring the device to life and ensure the shield would activate automatically when triggered in the right way
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Kazuya conducted the first test in his workshop
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
After confirming the shield's functionality, tried it out himself with success
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Excited to showcase his invention to a wider audience, he tested the device on volunteers who admired his work
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
Additionally, he had the opportunity to present his invention on a TV show
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA
For more of Kazuya Shibata's work, check out his Instagram. We're eagerly anticipating his future creations!
Image credits: KAZUYA SHIBATA