Student creates smart clothesline for mom and wins science contest

Sixth-year student Lu Jiezhen, 12, recently won first place in a science contest in Guangxi, China, for developing a smart clothesline that won't let clothes get wet from the weather. The contraption draws attention not only for its useful purpose, but also for the source of its inspiration.

One day, the teenager's mother had to leave the house and asked him to collect the clothes that were on the clothesline when it started to rain. Inattentive, he completely forgot to do so and was punished when his mother came home and saw all the soaked pieces. Instead of justifying himself, Lu began to think of a solution to the problem.

(Reproduction / Oddity Central)

After months of research and the help of several teachers, the student built a prototype with light and water-sensitive sensors that cause the clothesline to retract under a tarp at the slightest sign of rain, preventing clothing get wet. When the moisture is gone and the sun's rays are detected again, the piece returns to its initial position and drying resumes.

The smart clothesline is still a prototype and Lu reveals no interest in developing a commercial version anytime soon. The functional unit, awarded at the 34th Provincial Youth Science and Innovation Competition, will be handed over to his mother, who can leave some of her clothes drying without worrying about the weather forecast.