Inventor Chuan Wang from Nanjing has created a futuristic new version of the humble umbrella.
The device, which produces a 'force field of air', works using a special fan mechanism which is powered by a lithium battery.
Air from around the umbrella is drawn in at the bottom of the fan and then expelled at high pressure from the top, producing a curtain of air that deflects falling raindrops.
The device is designed to be compact and convenient, enabling a user to keep it in their bag and take it out when needed.
The idea was initially proposed as a crowdfunding project on Kickstarter with a goal of $10,000 but this has since been vastly exceeded with more than $90,000 in donations received to date.
The umbrella is set to become available to buy at the end of next year for a price of around $100.