UltraDry: The Innovative Bus Stop Dryer

Improving Safety and Convenience for Bus Passengers

With Taiwan's frequent rainfall, it is not uncommon for passengers to bring rainwater onto the bus, resulting in slippery floors and a high risk of falling. Statistics show that nearly 30% of bus passengers have experienced a fall. This is especially dangerous for the elderly and pregnant women. Recognizing this issue, the team at National Taipei University of Technology set out to create a solution.

UltraDry stands out from other designs with its focus on both functionality and convenience. By utilizing the waiting time at bus stops, passengers can now ensure that their umbrellas are properly dried before boarding. This not only prevents water from dripping onto the bus floor but also decreases the chances of slipping or falling. The designers have ingeniously integrated the dryer into the bus shelter, making it easily accessible to all passengers.

The technology behind UltraDry is simple yet effective. Made primarily of plastic with a metal transmission system and plastic absorbent brushes, this compact dryer can remove up to 78% of water from an umbrella in just one minute. With dimensions of 190 mm x 240 mm x 800 mm, it can accommodate umbrellas of various sizes.

Using UltraDry is a breeze. Passengers simply bring their wet umbrellas into the dryer, pedal a few times, and the inside brushes spin to dry the water. After drying, the umbrella can be easily retrieved, and the outside brushes provide a final touch-up. This quick and efficient process ensures that passengers can board the bus with dry umbrellas, eliminating the risk of slippery floors.

The UltraDry project began in October 2015 and was completed in January 2016 in Taipei. Extensive research was conducted to understand the behavior of bus passengers and the challenges they face during rainy weather. The designers observed the process of waiting at bus stops and identified the opportunity to utilize this time effectively. By incorporating the dryer into the bus shelter, they have transformed a mundane waiting experience into a practical and safety-enhancing activity.

UltraDry has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2017 in the Social Design category. This prestigious award is bestowed upon designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills while contributing to quality of life improvements. UltraDry's integration of art, science, design, and technology has made public transportation safer and more enjoyable for all.

With its unique approach to improving safety and convenience, UltraDry has proven to be a game-changer in the realm of bus stop design. By addressing the issue of wet floors and providing a practical solution, the National Taipei University of Technology has created a design that enhances the overall experience of public transportation. With UltraDry, passengers can now travel with peace of mind, knowing that their journey will be both safe and comfortable.