MIT engineers have created a compact, window-sized device that passively extracts clean drinking water from the air — even in places as dry as Death Valley, California. Designed without any need for electricity, the system relies on a biobased hydrogel material inspired by origami. This innovation offers exciting potential for designers working in product development, packaging, interior architecture, and off-grid construction.

How It Works: Origami-Inspired Hydrogel

At the heart of the device is a black hydrogel panel, shaped into dome-like structures that resemble bubble wrap. These domes swell as they absorb water vapour from the air. When warmed by the sun, the hydrogel releases this moisture, which then condenses on the inside of a glass chamber. The water flows down the surface into a collection tube, providing pure, drinkable water.

Importantly, the hydrogel includes glycerol, a natural stabiliser that prevents salt from leaking into the collected water — a common problem in similar designs. This feature helps keep the water within safe drinking standards. Additionally, the domed form increases surface area, boosting the hydrogel’s capacity to absorb moisture.

Sustainable, Power-Free Water Collection

Unlike most water harvesters, this system works without electricity, batteries, or solar panels. In field tests, it ran for over a week in Death Valley, where humidity levels ranged from 21% to 88%. Despite the dry conditions, the device produced between 57 and 161 millilitres of water per day.

Thanks to its vertical design, multiple panels can fit into small spaces. This makes it suitable for building façades, portable systems, or household installations, particularly in remote or resource-scarce areas. In more humid climates, water production could be even higher.

Opportunities for Designers

This hydrogel material opens up new possibilities for climate-responsive design. For product and packaging designers, it suggests low-impact solutions that use moisture-responsive materials. For interior architects, the concept offers inspiration for passive, self-sustaining systems that could be integrated into walls, windows, or modular structures.

The MIT team is continuing to improve the material. Future versions may include multi-panel setups and further enhanced performance. As a result, this hydrogel system could support circular water use and regenerative design strategies — key themes across many creative disciplines.

Source & image: MIT