The Automatic Cloth Protector is a smart, weather-responsive system designed to protect hanging clothes from unexpected rain or harsh sunlight. Using sensors to detect changes in weather conditions such as humidity, rain, and UV intensity, the system automatically activates a mechanical cover or retractable canopy to shield the clothes. This ensures that laundry dries efficiently without damage or repeated washing due to sudden weather changes. The project aims to provide convenience, conserve water, and protect fabrics, especially in urban households where space is limited.
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Acp
Innovation Fest 2025
About Acp
UN SUSTAINABILITY DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Empowered and Driven:
Delivering Solutions for Global Issues
Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Promotes the use of innovative technology for everyday life improvements.
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Supports sustainable living in urban environments where space and weather unpredictability pose challenges.
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Helps reduce water waste by preventing repeated washing due to unexpected rain damage.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Encourages climate adaptation strategies by integrating weather-responsive smart systems into daily routines.
THE STORY BEGAN
DESIGN STORY
Challenges
Unpredictable Weather Conditions: Sudden rain or extreme sunlight can damage clothes left outside to dry. Manual Intervention: Users need to be physically present to protect clothes, which isn’t always possible. Limited Urban Space: Urban homes often rely on small balconies or windowsills for drying clothes, leaving them exposed. Power Efficiency: Ensuring the system uses minimal energy while remaining responsive. Weather Sensor Accuracy: Detecting rain, humidity, and UV rays with precision can be challenging and may require sensor calibration. Mechanical Durability: The retractable mechanism must be weather-resistant and long-lasting.
Solution
Smart Sensor Integration: Install rain, humidity, and UV sensors to detect weather changes in real-time. Automated Canopy System: Use a motorized retractable cover that activates based on sensor input, protecting clothes automatically. Compact & Modular Design: Create a space-saving system that fits in balconies, rooftops, or windows. Low-Power Microcontroller: Use energy-efficient microcontrollers like Arduino or ESP32 to keep power consumption low. Durable Materials: Use weather-resistant materials for both the mechanical structure and cover to withstand outdoor conditions. Remote Notification (Optional): Implement a mobile alert system to inform users about weather changes or system activity.
Use Case
Scenario: A working professional hangs their laundry on the balcony in the morning before leaving for work. While at the office, a sudden rainstorm begins. The smart sensors detect the rainfall and automatically activate the motor to extend a waterproof canopy over the clothes, preventing them from getting wet. When the rain stops, the system retracts the canopy, allowing the clothes to continue drying. This hands-free protection ensures clothing stays dry without requiring the user to be home, saving time and effort while preventing unnecessary rewashing.
TECHNOLOGIES
List of Essential Tools and Technologies
THE PROCESS
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
The prototype of the Automatic Cloth Protector consists of a compact, motorized frame mounted above a clothes drying area—such as a balcony or backyard stand. The system is equipped with weather sensors including a rain sensor, UV sensor, and humidity sensor, which are connected to a microcontroller (Arduino or ESP32). Upon detecting rainfall or extreme sunlight, the system activates a DC or servo motor that automatically extends a waterproof retractable canopy over the clothes. Once safe conditions return, the cover retracts to allow air-drying to resume.
The frame is built using lightweight aluminum and plastic materials for durability and ease of installation. The canopy is made of UV-resistant, waterproof fabric. The prototype also features an optional mobile alert system for user notifications. It is designed to be energy-efficient and can be powered via a standard power adapter or a small solar panel for sustainability.
This design ensures unattended laundry remains protected, combining smart sensing, automation, and practicality in a compact and user-friendly setup.
Online Marketing
Creative agency
Web development
PLEDGE
Impact on the market
The Automatic Cloth Protector addresses a widespread everyday challenge with a smart, practical, and affordable solution—protecting laundry from unpredictable weather. In densely populated urban areas where space is limited and weather can be sudden or extreme, this product offers a valuable tool for time-saving and resource efficiency. It minimizes the need to rewash clothes due to unexpected rain, thereby conserving water, electricity, and detergent.
Its potential market impact spans across households, apartment complexes, student hostels, and even laundry services. With growing awareness of sustainability and smart home automation, this product fits well into the evolving consumer demand for intelligent living solutions. Its modular and scalable design can cater to both budget and premium users, making it adaptable for wide adoption.
The product also opens up opportunities in the home automation and green-tech markets, especially if integrated with IoT features for remote monitoring. Over time, it could contribute to behavior change in how people approach domestic chores—bringing more efficiency, sustainability, and convenience into everyday life.
RESULTS
FINAL PRODUCT
The development of the Automatic Cloth Protector followed a step-by-step process, beginning with problem identification and ending in a working prototype.
We started by identifying a common issue: clothes getting wet or damaged due to sudden weather changes. After researching user needs and market gaps, we sketched initial design concepts and selected the most feasible solution—a sensor-based retractable cover system.
Next, we sourced and integrated key components: a rain sensor, UV sensor, and humidity sensor connected to a microcontroller (Arduino/ESP32). We programmed the microcontroller to respond to sensor data, triggering a motor to extend or retract a canopy. The structure was modeled using 3D design software and built with lightweight materials like aluminum and plastic for easy mounting.
We tested the system under various conditions—simulating rain and sunlight—and fine-tuned the response times, motor control, and sensor sensitivity. A waterproof and UV-resistant fabric was chosen for the canopy to ensure durability. Optional features such as solar power and mobile notifications were also explored for added functionality.
The final product is a compact, energy-efficient, and user-friendly system that successfully automates cloth protection. It reflects a blend of environmental awareness, smart technology, and user convenience, offering a practical solution with strong real-world application.
