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Press Release

Cuboro Wave Marble Run

A' Design Award 2026 Gold Winner in Toys, Games and Hobby Products Design

16 April 2026

Cuboro Wave Marble Run by Sebastian Etter
Cuboro Wave Marble Run by Sebastian Etter
Cuboro Wave Marble Run by Sebastian Etter
Cuboro Wave Marble Run by Sebastian Etter
Cuboro Wave Marble Run by Sebastian Etter

Sebastian Etter · CLIENT: Cuboro AG

Cuboro Wave expands the modular marble run system with wave-shaped elements that set marbles into rhythmic up and down motion. The reduced geometric design combines aesthetics with function, offering intuitive play for children and adults alike. Sustainably produced from Swiss Wood certified beech, the durable elements fit seamlessly with existing Cuboro sets. Wave introduces a new dimension of play that stimulates creativity, concentration and spatial imagination while ensuring lasting educational and emotional value.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
Cuboro Wave is the Extra Set for dynamic, flowing runs. Specially crafted wave elements guide marbles in smooth up and down motions before they roll onto the next level. The clear design unites aesthetics and function, fitting seamlessly into the modular Cuboro system. Sustainably produced in Switzerland from Swiss Wood certified beech, Wave enriches the Starter Sets with new dynamics, unique effects, and enduring play value.
Dimensions & Packaging
Dimensions: 230 x 230 x 57 mm, Weight: 1.55 kg. The set contains 22 elements, crafted from Swiss Wood certified beech. All Cuboro elements are produced in Switzerland, including the packaging. The hand-folded box is highly robust and provides safe, dry storage, protecting the elements from moisture.
Tags
Marble run, Wooden toy, Swiss design, Creative play, Educational toy, Minimalist design, Precision craftsmanship, Modular construction, Sustainable Swiss wood, Timeless toy
Production Technology
Cuboro Wave is crafted from untreated, Swiss Wood certified beech, air-dried and precision-milled to ensure perfect fit and smooth play. Produced entirely in Switzerland under the highest safety and quality standards, the robust elements embody durability, sustainability, and timeless design. Part of the Cuboro system since 1986, Wave continues the tradition of combining natural materials with precision engineering.
Design Challenge
The greatest challenge in developing Cuboro Wave was to transform the natural motion of water into precise wooden elements that function reliably within the modular system. Designing curves that both guide marbles smoothly and fit seamlessly with existing cubes required extensive prototyping. Limited by wood properties and production tolerances, the team overcame obstacles through iterative testing and close collaboration with skilled joiners.
Project Duration
The project started in April 2024 in Bern, Switzerland, and was completed in June 2025 with the official launch of Cuboro Wave. It was publicly presented in July 2025 at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, within the Swiss Pavilion.
Operation Flow
Cuboro Wave is an add-on set that lets marbles glide up and down in smooth wave motions before continuing onto the next level. Players combine the wave elements with existing Cuboro cubes to create endless new tracks. The flowing movement adds surprise and excitement, inviting children and adults alike to experiment, adjust, and discover new possibilities in every run.
Research
Research Type: Applied design research. Objective: Expand Cuboro with dynamic, visually engaging elements. Methodology: Iterative design, prototyping, testing. Tools: Sketches, CAD models, 3D prototypes. Participants: Designer, joinery partners, children as test players. Results: Wave-shaped track elements. Insights: New dimension of play, stronger brand identity. Impact: Enhances education, creativity, and market visibility.
Inspiration
The inspiration for Cuboro Wave originated while sailing across gentle waves, where the smooth and rhythmic motion suggested the idea of translating this natural flow into a marble run system. The objective was to embody this dynamic energy within the Cuboro system, uniting Swiss precision with the rhythm of nature while at the same time introducing a new dimension of play that encourages users to discover novel movement patterns, explore creative strategies, and experience the element of surprise.
Image Credits
Image #1: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave open packaging with contents, 2025.
Image #2: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave marble run, 2025.
Image #3: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave closed packaging design, 2025.
Image #4: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave track from above, 2025.
Image #5: Photographer / Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave play situation with two children, 2025.
Video Credits: Creator Cuboro AG, CUBORO Wave product video, 2025.
Patents
Design Patent Pending. Cuboro AG, 2025.
Copyrights belong to Cuboro AG, 2025.
Trademark (1986) Cuboro AG.

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