A modern, friendly, and intelligent carbon monoxide detector designed by Matt Blum, Lauren Meleney, and myself.

Up until the mid-20th century, coal miners would carry caged canaries with them into the mines. The tiny yellow birds’ heightened sensitivity to noxious gases allowed them to warn to the miners of impending danger. Canary is a modern carbon monoxide detector created with young families in mind. Using multiple sensor technologies, this friendly device provides a delightful interaction that gives users the piece of mind that their loved ones are safe. Canary also doubles as a nightlight, only turning on when a room becomes dark. This feature is not only useful, but also encourages proper placement of the carbon monoxide detector in hallways outside of bedrooms and inside of bedrooms themselves. To prevent child tampering, it also has the option of installing securely to a standard wall outlet with a unique twist-to-lock mechanism, and rather than using a noisy "test" button, Canary's functionality can be silently tested with the wave of a hand. Our goal with Canary was to bring simplicity and comfort to something that so far has only been sold through fear and mandate. Canary takes on a responsibility. It crosses a task off your list; it protects the ones you love. Canary looks after your nest.

: The installation process for Canary

: The Canary on alarm

: Canary's photocell triggers light

: Test Canary by waving your hand

: Some ID sketches

: ID shape study

: Second set of ID revisions

 

: First prototype of acrylic

: Final FDM prototype body

: Working sensors in black box

: Breadboard of electronics

: Second prototype with all sensors

: Testing the LED diffusion material

: Painting the first prototype

: Moving over to final board

: Fit check in FDM body