WOW BOX

A smart photo printer that strengthens family connections.

What is it?


WOW BOX is a smart home IoT device designed to reduce loneliness and strengthen connections between older adults and their families. Family members send photos through a mobile app, triggering a gentle light and sound that invites the user to the device. With a single button press, the WOW BOX slowly prints a physical Polaroid photo, transforming a digital message into a tangible, meaningful experience. Designed as an aesthetic home object, WOW BOX serves as a daily reminder of connection, warmth, and belonging.

Project Info


  • Students: Tal Erlich, Ofir Halperin, Ethan Malul, Shlomi May, Noam Toren
  • Year: 2026
  • Lecturer: Dr. Noa Morag
  • Teaching Assistant: Dr. Ofir Sadka, Tom Hitron
  • Industrial Designer: Aviad Kelner
  • Development: Inbar Raz

 

Students' Website

 

Podcast

How does it work?

WOW BOX uses a Raspberry Pi as the system's central controller. Family members send a photo and an optional voice message through the WOW BOX app. The content is securely transferred to a cloud server, and the Raspberry Pi inside the device connects to the server via Wi-Fi to check if a new memory has been received.

 

When an image is received, the Raspberry Pi activates the device's feedback components. A soft kalimba sound plays through the internal speaker, and a NeoPixel LED strip displays a warm light animation, signaling to the user that a new message has arrived.

 

The combination of light and sound is intended to arouse curiosity and anticipation before opening the message. The interaction is carried out using a simple physical button. When the elder presses the button, the voice message is played out loud, and the Raspberry Pi sends the image via Bluetooth to a Canon Ivy 2 printer integrated into the device. The printer uses ZINK Zero Ink technology, which allows for thermal printing without ink cartridges, thus maintaining a compact and easy-to-maintain structure.

 

Afterward, the photo slowly emerges from the WOW BOX as a printed physical memory. The combination of light, sound, touch, voice message, and a tangible image translates a digital message into a physical experience at home, allowing the elder to keep the memory, display it, and return to it over time.