Swiss gadget exhibit unveils the unusual

Robot snips ribbon for 1000 inventions

Yu Gao of China presents her invention -- an emergency landing system for airplanes -- at the 40th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques, and Products in Geneva.

GENEVA -- A hands-free umbrella, parachutes for airplanes, and other quirky inventions went on display Wednesday at the opening of the world's biggest fair for new gadgets.

Even the ribbon-cutting was done by a humanoid robot.

A thousand inventions had their debut in Geneva, including a robotic claw hand, a high-tech screen to play simulated golf, and a ball designed to protect its user from electromagnetic waves generated by WiFi and other household devices.

Television, radio, and microwaves all use electromagnetic waves that vary according to wavelength, energy, and frequency.

Jaques Surbeck of Geneva said the ball aims to improve health. "This one works in order to linearize the waves in order to allow them to be compatible with the biological experience," he said.

Officials said 789 exhibitors from 46 countries and 60,000 visitors were expected at the fair, which runs until Sunday. "We can hardly believe this, given the cost of the Swiss franc and the economic situation throughout the world," said the fair's president, Jean-Luc Vincent.

An international flavor and the lure of the unexpected appealed to visitors. "There are many funny inventions, and I recognize that people from many different countries are here," said Christine Epiney, one of those viewing the show.