Art and technology: LUNOoOM’s kinetic sand furniture fuses the traditional with modern

India has a rich history of using sand art to celebrate culture. Whether it’s making rangoli at home to symbolise positivity, auspiciousness, and prosperity, or creating sand sculptures on beaches, showcasing India's tradition of blending past and present through art.

Sagar Agawane, robotics and electronics expert Vinay Sharma, and software engineer Angad Patil shared a passion for blending traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology. Inspired by rangoli, the trio decided to feature it in a contemporary form and founded a lifestyle furniture startup LUNOoOM—an amalgamation of 'Luno' meaning moon and the resonant Indian sound 'Om'.

“We noticed that while many furniture pieces serve practical purposes, few truly enhance the ambience of a room with artistic elements; we envisioned furniture that could do more than just fill a room,” Founder and CEO Sagar Agawane tells YourStory.

Fusing art with technology

The Pune-based startup's flagship product is an artistically designed table featuring kinetic sand—is a type of moldable sand used for artistic purposes, such as sand art and sand sculpting. The kinetic sand used is specially formulated for durability and fluidity, supporting intricate designs that remain stable without smudging. 

The company, founded in 2023, features two main collections, the Signature Collection and the Earth Collection, with six SKUs and prices ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. 

These feature a kinetic sand art surface with a magnetic arm under it that guides a steel ball which produces intricate patterns by rolling through the sand. 

“This fusion revitalises traditional sand art practices, offering both functional furniture and a contemporary artistic experience,” Agawane asserts. 

The table is connected to WiFi and can be controlled via an app (both Android and iOS) to program patterns, speed, and rhythm. 

With the app, users can manage the LED lighting, choose from over 300 sand art patterns developed in-house, and stream music from Spotify and AirPlay. The interface currently supports English and is undergoing expansion to include regional languages.

Embedded IoT components facilitate seamless app interaction, managing kinetic mechanisms through electronics and connectivity modules. 

The integration of IoT and audio technologies in a table was a significant challenge as it required “precise engineering to discreetly embed electronic and connectivity modules without compromising the aesthetics of the table,” elaborates Agwane, who has over 15 years of experience in art and technology, and has also worked in software development and product management.

“The goal was to enable remote operation and real-time customisation, while also ensuring seamless synchronisation of movements and audio outputs,” he adds.

LUNOoOM operates on a B2C and B2B model, targeting both high-end residential customers and commercial spaces. 

The startup collaborates with distributors, interior design studios, and architectural firms for international expansion. On the B2C side, it targets premium homes, corporate offices, luxury showrooms, resorts, spas, meditation centres, and airport lounges. It has also partnered with real estate brands.

The startup, which began selling its products three months ago, has sold 10 pieces, primarily in Pune. 

Craftsmanship and artisanship

The Signature Collection boasts a patented unibody design that takes 4-5 weeks to complete. Meanwhile, the Earth Collection is crafted from exquisitely selected rosewood blocks and takes about two weeks to create. 

The startup employs a team of 15 people, including three skilled craftsmen. It has a manufacturing unit in Pune.

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Combining traditional methods with modern manufacturing techniques, these tables are crafted from rosewood and composite wood. 

“We prioritise sustainable and ethical domestic sourcing by selecting eco-friendly, responsibly sourced wood and specially formulated kinetic sand to minimise environmental impact. Our strict material standards ensure a high-quality, environmentally responsible production process,” he explains.

Market and way ahead

India's home décor market segment is expected to generate $1.95 billion in revenue in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 8.78% from 2024-2029, according to Statista.

LUNOoOM plans to launch an exclusive monthly/yearly subscription plan for additional features. 

“Subscribers will get access to exclusive design galleries, audio integration with Spotify and Apple AirPlay, and support for audio assistants like Alexa and Google. The plan also includes tools for creating custom designs and a referral program,” Agawane says.

The bootstrapped startup is seeking strategic investment and plans to expand its product line by introducing flooring tiles, bar tops, office tables and dining tables.

The startup is in the final stages of collaborating with major pan-Indian brands to establish their first physical showrooms for user experience and purchase.

It has an experience centre in Pune and plans to expand to major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, and also considers Dubai as a potential international market.

The startup competes with Jaipur-based Sand Dune Arts. 

(The copy has been updated to remove the names of some companies.)