Ten-year-old Erich secures third position in the Innovator Awards
Erich Witte, a 10-year-old child from Echterdingen, has made waves in the world of inventions with his unique creation - the knee board. This innovative device, designed for riding on the knees and pushing off with the feet, aims to reduce the risk of falling, making it a popular choice among children.
The second prototype of Erich's knee board includes a central brake for easy stopping, a feature that has been well-received by those who have tried it. This latest version was built in the workshop of Erich's father, Ulrich Witte.
Erich's invention has been recognised and awarded third prize in the age group up to class 7 at the Artur Fischer inventor prize, a competition organised by the Baden-Württemberg foundation every two years to honour young inventors in a school competition. As part of the prize, Erich received a certificate and a technical book.
The idea for the knee board came about after Erich had an accident while riding a skateboard. Determined to find a solution, he set out to create a safer alternative, and the knee board was born. Erich has demonstrated a fast ride on the knee board, and his siblings and friends have also tested it, expressing their approval.
Looking forward, Erich has plans to optimise his knee board. He plans to make it electric and improve the brake, aiming to enhance its functionality and user experience.
Despite the lack of specific updates or planned improvements in the search results, the field of exoskeletons, or wearable devices enhancing physical activity, is progressing. New recreational and assistive devices are entering or close to commercial release, focusing on enhancing motion and reducing strain, particularly for knees and legs. However, there is currently no documented update regarding Erich Witte's invention's status or future development plans.
Erich continues to enjoy building and tinkering, especially on the Echterdingen youth farm and in the workshop. After the summer holidays, he will switch to secondary school, where his inventive spirit is sure to continue to shine.
Erich Witte, with his new home-and-garden workshop, is planning to modify his award-winning knee board, aiming to make it electric and improve the brake for enhanced functionality and user experience, indicative of his ongoing lifestyle of innovation and exploration. Although updates regarding his knee board's progress are currently unavailable, the wider field of sports exoskeletons continues to advance, with new devices focusing on knee and leg support, mirroring Erich's initial aim of reducing the risk of falls.
