Goal 9 focuses on promoting innovation and sustainable industrialisation. This device supports this goal as it applies IoT to improve everyday, common items. Goal 11 is in place to make city environments more sustainable and resilient. Our device will be able to support smart, sustainable living for urban residents as it allows users to stay alert and avoid disruption from unexpected weather conditions. Goal 12 is in place to promote sustainable production and consumption, and our device is able to support this goal with its Bluetooth tracking feature, preventing users from losing and potentially dumping items. Goal 13 urges people to take action to prevent/control climate change. With our device, users will be able to stay prepared for weather conditions, promoting climate-conscious behaviour.

The prototype will contain an LCD display to present information about the weather forecasts to the user, the display will also be used to give the user recommendations about what to do throughout the day based on the forecast. The device will have LED’s that give further information about the forecast without the user needing to be close to the device, just a glance and depending on what colour is showing will tell the user the forecast. The arduino and battery will be enclosed in the waterproof casing. There will also be a buzzer which will sound if the device goes out of range of the users bluetooth connected device.

The idea began with identifying a common issue which was forgetting an umbrella or being unprepared for unexpected weather changes. From there, the project aimed to integrate smart technology into a compact, detachable device that could enhance a standard umbrella with real-time weather alerts and tracking capabilities. After feedback, we then enhanced this idea to make the device universal for attachment onto other items other than umbrellas, and giving the device the feature of giving users recommendations based on forecasts. The first phase focused on planning the functionality, defining user needs, and listing both hardware and software requirements. Next we started designing, circuit diagrams and flowcharts were developed to work out the functionality of features like weather alerts, proximity tracking, and drop detection. A Wi-Fi module built into the arduino was programmed to retrieve data from a weather API, while a Bluetooth module (also built in) enabled device tracking via a smartphone. The Tinkercad simulator was used to test early versions of the circuit and code. Multiple iterations were required to resolve issues related to display output, timing logic, and sensor responsiveness. Each component was tested individually before full system integration. The final prototype was mounted in a waterproof casing that can be strapped onto any umbrella or item. This modular design supports ease of use, reusability, and minimal environmental impact. Overall, the process combined technical development, simulation, troubleshooting, and user-focused design to create a functional and innovative smart device.