Ep 18. Liter of Light

In the 18th episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 1, titled "Liter of Light," viewers are introduced to a unique way to bring light to homes that lack electricity.

Host Mo Rocca starts off the episode by showcasing a small village in the Philippines where many of the inhabitants live in homes without any electricity. Without access to electricity, many of the villagers are forced to rely on kerosene lamps or candles for light, which can be dangerous, expensive and potentially deadly.

Enter a company called Liter of Light, which has come up with an innovative solution to this problem. The company creates small, solar-powered lights using plastic bottles, water and a little bleach. The bleach is added to the water in the bottle, which is then sealed and placed through a hole in the roof of a home. The sunlight that filters through the bottle refracts, creating a bright light that is strong enough to light up the entire room.

Mo speaks with Illac Diaz, the founder of Liter of Light, who explains how the idea came about, and how the organization has grown to help light up communities all over the world. He talks about the challenges they faced initially, as well as the positive impact that the project has had in rural communities.

The episode then moves on to feature another fascinating invention - the Puffin, a small electric car designed by a company called Arcimoto. This three-wheeled electric vehicle is designed to be a low-cost, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cars. It is small enough to fit in bike lanes, and has enough storage space to make it practical for daily use.

Mo gets to take the Puffin for a spin around Eugene, Oregon, where the company is based. He talks to Mark Frohnmayer, the CEO of Arcimoto, who explains the many features of the Puffin and what makes it unique. Mark discusses the challenges of designing and manufacturing a new vehicle, as well as the many benefits of electric cars.

The episode also features an invention called Oddball, a throwable camera ball that captures 360-degree footage. Mo visits the Oddball offices to speak with the creators, and try out the new device. He learns about the challenges of designing a throwable camera, and the many potential applications for this innovative invention.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the world's first smart bed, called the Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed. Mo visits the Sleep Number headquarters to speak with the creators and try out the bed for himself. He learns about the many features of the bed, including a sleep tracking app, temperature control and adjustable firmness. Mo also discovers how the bed senses when you move and adjusts accordingly to ensure you have a comfortable and uninterrupted night's sleep.

Overall, the 18th episode of The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation season 1, titled "Liter of Light," features a fascinating look at some of the world's most innovative inventions. From solar-powered lights to electric cars, throwable cameras and smart beds, this episode highlights the incredible ingenuity and creativity of people around the world.