Gaaba: A Dual-Function Infant Cart Designed for Safety and Mobility

Enhancing Childcare Facilities and Disaster Preparedness

Japan, a country prone to earthquakes and natural disasters, has always prioritized disaster preparedness. In light of this, renowned designer Anri Sugihara has created Gaaba, a unique infant cart that serves as both a daily childcare tool and an evacuation device in times of crisis.

Gaaba was born out of the need to transport infants safely during emergencies and to reduce the burden on childcare workers in normal circumstances. It is designed to enhance survivability by improving rough road running ability and safety, making it an indispensable tool for evacuation.

Unlike traditional strollers, Gaaba is a dual-function product that combines the features of a regular infant cart with the requirements of a disaster evacuation device. It not only ensures the safety of children during emergencies but also provides ergonomic ease of use for childcare workers.

The design of Gaaba focuses on several unique properties that set it apart from other infant carts. The frame is constructed to minimize force loss due to structural deformation, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is used extensively to reduce weight without compromising strength.

Ergonomics played a crucial role in the design process. The position of the pushing handle was determined through motion analysis based on average physique information of childcare workers published by the Japanese government agency. Additionally, Gaaba is equipped with large tires, additional steps, and grips to navigate rough terrain during evacuation.

With dimensions of 1470 x 670 x 1010 and weighing 25kg, Gaaba is designed to be both lightweight and sturdy, ensuring ease of use for childcare workers while providing a safe and comfortable space for infants.

The Gaaba project, initiated in August 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, brought together a team of experts from RDS Ltd., Co., ONETABLE Inc., exiii design Inc., Yoshihiro Hirata R2, MAGNET Inc., makesense Inc., and quod, LLC. Their collective efforts resulted in a groundbreaking design that addresses the unique challenges faced by childcare facilities during emergencies.

Gaaba's interaction is intuitive and user-friendly. The design takes into account the heavy burden that existing carts place on childcare workers, aiming to alleviate their physical strain. By incorporating technology refined through years of R&D in motor sports products, RDS Ltd., Co. has created a cart that is not only light, strong, and durable but also easy to maneuver.

Recognized for its innovation and functionality, Gaaba was awarded the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products Design category in 2021. This accolade is bestowed upon designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, technical skill, and a commitment to improving the quality of life.

Gaaba, with its unique combination of safety, mobility, and ergonomic design, is a testament to Anri Sugihara's vision and dedication to creating products that make a positive impact on society. By seamlessly integrating the needs of childcare facilities and disaster preparedness, Gaaba ensures the well-being of both infants and their caretakers in times of crisis.