Canes are created for folks who need a hand – definitely not another object to handle, potentially drop or otherwise worry about. While traditional staffs come in many shapes and sizes, few can boast such helpful independence from external supports as this unique cane design. It doesn’t even require any high tech components to make it stand out from the crowd of ordinary walking sticks — just gravity.

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On steps or even slopes, these self-balancing weighted walking sticks stay relatively upright. While stopping to pay for something at a store or otherwise pausing during a walk, they can be left alone rather than needing to be leaned against a wall or object. Unlike many industrial design ideas, this one has an already-working prototype (as well as intuitive laws of physics) on its side. A simple hand grip and weighted bottom make for a nice clean-and-practical look as well.

The Balance Stick concept is designed with seniors in mind, but it could be used by anyone with limited mobility who requires extra support while walking. It features a clean, streamlined look and a slightly bulbous base that doesn’t interfere with its usability.

It is clear that even bumping into it simply causes it to sway, but it can still stay (or return to an) ultimately vertical (position) even after some force is applied. Designed by Cheng-Tsung Feng, a young Taiwanese artist and designer, and Yu-Ting Cheng, an engineer.

Cheng-Tsung Feng says he is “fascinated by exploring the wisdom condensed out of time hidden in traditional utensils,” and aims to create innovative modern objects that improve upon tradition or adapt it for the contemporary era. Born in 1987, the graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven and National Taiwan University of Science & Technology is known for using the ancient renewable material of bamboo as a primary component of many of his creations.