Invention show displays opportunities

The 29th National Invention Exhibition kicked off Thursday at National Taiwan University, showcasing 14 categories totaling 305 items, including electronic appliances, office equipment, safety and medical apparatus.

Although some inventions are still in the testing stages, others are estimated to be marketable in Taiwan in a near future.

One inventor said he is ready to turn his product into gold.

"Our product has been available in the US and will be put on Taiwan's shelves in September," said Wang Cheng-neng (王證能), who invented a handset case which Wang says lowers radiation emitted by mobile phones.

According to Wang, with special composite metal covers, the cases can deflect up to 98 percent of harmful radiation away from users.

He added that his anti-radiation cases will be available at telecom equipment chain stores such as Senao International Co Ltd (神腦國際) in September and will cost approximately NT$400.

Currently, the Directorate General of Telecommunications regards all handsets having less than 0.16 milliwats of radioation per kilogram as safe.

One mobile handset manufacturer said this type of product is good, but not necessary. "Since all new handsets have to pass government standards, mobile users should be safe," said Albert Lin (林嘉祥), assistant product manager at Ericsson Inc Taiwan. However, the product may be helpful in alleviating customers' concerns about radiation, Lin added.

Another invention showcased at the exposition, a "fasten-on airbag system," is attached to passengers' seat belts and deploys forward in order to protect passengers in the event of a collision.

According to its inventor, Pan Yu-ming (潘裕民), the airbag offers protection to pregnant women and children who are at risk of injury from standard airbag systems.

The exposition runs through tomorrow in Taipei and will travel to Taichung and Kaohsiung later this month. Hours are from am 9:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is free.