AERIS was designed for communities where access to clean water is unreliable, disrupted, or nonexistent. The system combines atmospheric water generation, rainwater collection, solar energy, and multi-stage purification into one portable unit, creating a decentralized source of potable water without relying on traditional water infrastructure.
Research
Research focused on water access in disaster, conflict, and infrastructure-failure environments. Existing solutions often depend on functioning pipelines, bottled-water deliveries, or large treatment systems, creating a need for decentralized emergency water access.
Define
The goal was to create a portable system capable of producing safe drinking water where infrastructure is unreliable. AERIS needed to operate independently, withstand difficult environments, and remain simple enough for communities and aid teams to use.
Ideate
Explored atmospheric water generation, rain capture, filtration, renewable power, and portable treatment systems. These ideas evolved into one hybrid platform that adapts its water source and operation based on environmental conditions.
Prototype
Built a full-scale cardboard prototype to evaluate size, accessibility, dispensing height, mobility, and interaction. Testing informed the transition into detailed 3D models, internal component layouts, and iterations of the rugged exterior enclosure.
Test
Physical testing revealed opportunities to improve reach, component access, transportation, and the bottle-filling experience. Feedback helped refine the proportions and simplify how users interact with the system without needing to understand the technology inside.
Iterate
Refined the enclosure into a durable wheeled form with accessible service panels, protected components, and angled solar panels. The interface was simplified around essential system information so operation remains understandable in high-stress environments.
Launch
AERIS draws in filtered ambient air and cools it below its dew point to produce condensation. Collected water passes through sediment and carbon filtration, UV-C treatment, and protected storage before being dispensed as potable drinking water.
Evaluate
AERIS produces approximately 5–20 liters of water per day depending on environmental conditions. Rather than replacing permanent water infrastructure, it provides decentralized emergency drinking water for shelters, clinics, aid sites, and communities when existing systems fail.