Cross Pod
Self Standing Cane for K_Design
This product brings convenience to the 1 point cane. During walking, the leg section at the tip of the cane closes, enabling nimble handling comparable to a standard 1 point cane. When stationary, open the leg to instantly stand stable. The folding legs, designed to avoid obstructing walking, provide stable support only when needed. Convenience and sophisticated design bring the fun. This design feels like a product that goes being a mere walking aid to support the user's lifestyle.
Download Press Kit № 178817
Download Press Kit № 178817 Self Standing Cane for K_Design by KOJI SATO to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Cross Pod by KOJI SATO
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Self Standing Cane by KOJI SATO
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KOJI SATO Cross Pod
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KOJI SATO Self Standing Cane
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Unique Properties
CrossPOD is a one point cane stably standable anywhere. Just open its four legs attached to the tip of the cane to allow it stand anywhere in situations you need to have your hands free. When walking, you can close your legs to use it as a one point cane, allowing you to walk smoothly. It was small and lightweight, and it was designed so that switching of the legs can be done with simple operation. The pure one-point cane that can be stand is an unprecedent.
Tags
Cane, Health, Care, Wellness, Rehabilitation, Independence, Standing, Walking, #Senior, SDGs, CrossPOD, Onepoint
Production Technology
A one point cane is a portable item, it must be lightweight. Therefore, complex mechanisms cannot be added. It also requires simple and easy operation. Considering this balance, we designed it using a spring and link mechanism. The result is: * Simple manual operation/ two actions: twist and slide * An easy-to-grip handle * A slim form that doesn't get in the way when closed like a bud before it blooms * A wide leg span when opened Furthermore, while maintaining a minimalist overall appearance, we incorporated vivid accent colors to create a fun and enjoyable product.
Design Challenge
The following are important for this product to be enjoyable. *Comfort *Stability *Ease of Use *Lightweight *Form *Cost However, there are conflicting aspects, so we focused on balancing them when designing.
Project Duration
The project started in April 2018 in Oita Japan and was released for sale in Jan 2020. Following several internal refinements, it evolved into the current model in October 2023.
Operation Flow
Closing the legs allows you to walk smoothly, and opening them when standing. Opening the legs is a two step operation. Slightly twist the grip to unlock, and slide the cane towards the tip to open and stand up. Closing is the reverse operation.
Research
*Type of Research Design Proposals for the Ageing Society Ahead. *Research Objectives Enriching the lives of those with walking difficulties. *Methodology Fun to use! Make the 1 point cane easier to use. *Data Collection Interviews with practitioners, workshops, etc. *Participants or Experiments Conducted load testing and other safety verification experiments. *Results Perfectly fine. *Insights and Impacts, Positive feedback from purchasers. Design awards and patent contest accolades. Export track record to Canada, Germany, Thailand,etc. It is also commonly used as a gift.
Inspiration
A one point cane is the most common tool used to assist with walking. However, when you want to let go of the cane, the tip is the point, so it is inconvenient because you cannot stand it up. There are also canes with four rubber tips, but they make it difficult to walk smoothly, are unstable when standing up, and are a little heavy. So we came up with the idea of solving this problem by adding opening and closing legs to the tip of the cane.
Image Credits
N/A
Project Overview
Cross Pod Self Standing Cane has been a Bronze winner in the Fashion and Travel Accessories Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.
Bronze Recognition
KOJI SATO was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Cross Pod Self Standing Cane.
KOJI SATO Press Releases
For journalists seeking engaging content: Explore our press releases featuring KOJI SATO's work, freely available for incorporation into your stories. Press members can now immediately access 1 press releases.
Koji Sato's CrossPOD Reinvents the Walking Cane with Innovative Self-Standing Design
Oita, Japan - Koji Sato has unveiled CrossPOD, a groundbreaking self-standing cane that combines the convenience of a one-point walking aid with the stability of a four-legged support, now available following its recent model update in October 2023. This award-winning design aims to empower users with greater independence and ease of use, addressing longstanding challenges in mobility aids.
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