An engineer assembling a motorized desk in a workshop, surrounded by tools and electronic components.

Engineer Constructs Motorized Desk That Charges Devices and Offers Animated Reminders

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-28

For tech enthusiasts and inventors, witnessing the realization of a long-awaited gadget can be exhilarating. YouTube creator He Shijie, from HTX Studio, took matters into his own hands by designing an ambitious project inspired by Apple’s elusive AirPower charger. When Apple halted development of the wireless charging pad, He Shijie envisioned a similar feature, transforming it into a full-sized work desk called the AirDesk.

The Multitasking Surface of the AirDesk

This innovative desk-sized creation acts like the hypothetical AirPower charging pad, allowing users to place their phones anywhere on the surface to begin charging. An overhead camera detects the device’s location, moving a singular charging coil beneath it for efficient wireless charging. Besides phone charging, charging coils are placed in the corners but not specifically for gadgets and even a wireless keyboard.

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Fascinating Features and Design

He Shijie’s AirDesk entertains with delightful animations, like an animated cat that moves in tandem with the charging coil underneath the glass top. The table integrates a Mac Mini for seamless computing, turning it into a secret workstation when connected to an external monitor.

Close-up of a motorized desk's control panel with buttons and charging ports.

The uniqueness of the AirDesk extends beyond technology integration. After two months of meticulous engineering, the desk not only charges devices but also sends activity reminders. The transparent LCD screen displays your tasks and animations, while the desk can adjust its height with motorized legs, converting into a standing desk for ergonomic benefits.

Motorized desk displaying animated reminders on a built-in screen.

Innovations in Everyday Functionality

Among its thoughtful features, a built-in mechanism periodically nudges a cup towards you, encouraging regular hydration. This blend of utility and creativity exemplifies the lengths He Shijie went to for capturing an idea few would dare to undertake.

Engineer using a screwdriver to adjust components of the motorized desk.
Motorized desk with scattered tools and cables in a workshop setting.
Detailed view of a circuit board being installed inside the motorized desk.
Engineer programming the desk’s control system with a laptop.
Finished motorized desk with LED lights and neatly organized workspace.
Top-down view of electronics and tools on the motorized desk's surface.
Animated screen on desk showing a reminder with vibrant graphics.
Various charging cables plugged into the desk’s integrated ports.
Engineer testing desk’s movement and charging capabilities after assembly.

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the AirDesk designed to do?

The AirDesk is designed to act like a hypothetical AirPower charging pad, allowing users to place their phones anywhere on the surface to begin charging. It also integrates a Mac Mini for seamless computing when connected to an external monitor and features a transparent LCD screen to display tasks and animations.

How does the AirDesk charge devices?

An overhead camera on the AirDesk detects the device’s location and moves a singular charging coil beneath it for efficient wireless charging. Charging coils are strategically placed on the desk surface for optimal device compatibility.

What are some unique features of the AirDesk?

The AirDesk includes delightful animations, like an animated cat moving with the charging coil, a motorized height adjustment for ergonomic benefits, and a mechanism that nudges a cup towards you to encourage hydration.