Meet Ori: the world’s first frameless umbrella inspired by origami

A new hardware startup founded by MIT engineers and leading origami innovators is rethinking one of the most overlooked pieces of everyday design: the umbrella. Ori, the world’s first frameless origami umbrella, replaces metal ribs and fabric with a single engineered canopy that folds with architectural precision.

At full size, Ori offers a standard 1-meter canopy. When closed, it collapses into a 3.5 × 23 cm cylinder, turning the canopy itself into the supporting structure. This shift from frame-dependent to self-supporting design reflects decades of folding research—some of it applied in NASA deployable systems.

Folding Architecture Becomes a Product System - Frameless Origami Umbrella

Unlike traditional umbrellas that rely on dozens of joints, ribs, and failure points, Ori uses a patented folding system based on the Miura fold, a mathematically elegant pattern designed for efficient compressibility and one-motion deployment.

The result is:

• A single degree of freedom opening motion

• Elimination of common mechanical failures

• Rigid, stable structural behavior without metal ribs

• A minimal, seamless exterior form

  
  

The engineering team has filed four patents covering the folding system, the internal locking core, and the smooth actuation mechanism—transforming a familiar object into a piece of kinetic design.

Digital Features Integrated into the Canopy

Beyond physical innovation, Ori adds a discreet digital interface built directly into the canopy. These features are subtle, but intentional:

• AirSense: air-quality readings embedded in the surface

• MoodShift: visual themes adapting to weather or mood

• Display Aura: customizable color palettes

• Smart Touch: one-tap open/close interaction

  
  

These additions turn the umbrella into a responsive surface—a hybrid of industrial design, wearable tech, and folding architecture.

The Future of Umbrellas

With first Founder Edition units expected in 2026, Ori represents a rare moment when a century-old everyday object is reimagined not as a novelty, but as a new category of personal weather device. This innovation invites us to consider how we interact with everyday items. What if our umbrellas could do more than just shield us from rain?

Imagine walking down the street, your Ori umbrella adapting its colors to reflect your mood or the weather. It’s not just an umbrella; it’s a companion that responds to your environment. This is where design meets technology, creating a seamless experience that enhances our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Ori umbrella is not just a functional item; it’s a statement of what design can achieve. By merging traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, Ori challenges our perceptions of everyday objects.

As we look to the future, I can't help but wonder: how many more everyday items are waiting to be transformed in such a way? The potential for innovation is limitless, and Ori is leading the charge.

Written by Otávio Santiago, a designer shaping narratives through motion, graphics, and 3D form. His approach merges emotion and precision to craft timeless visual identities and experiences.