This Project is intended to progress the development of a low energy washing machine and produce a small number of pre-production prototypes, that will be designed for use within the Assisted Living Sector, as the user friendly nature of the design make them particularly suitable for use by people who have limited and or restricted mobility. That concept is that the clothes are washed and dried while placed on hangers in the washing machine cabinet, with a large access door and simple user interface, as there is no rotational drum, no need to be floor mounted, no minimum wash size, altogether a much simpler and more user friendly product. The Project will take an existing prototype, the output of a successful previous TSB grant, that proved that the concept is capable of replicating the cleaning performance of conventional washing machines, using a standard liquid soap. This will be achieved through various Work Packages and engagement with an existing stakeholder network. • The existing test rig will be used by C-Tech Innovation to undertake a Value and Lifecycle Assessment (to ISO 14040) and to test components for suitability. • Engage with the Blackwood Foundation, to undertake user feedback with a visual demonstrator and focus groups of people with limited mobility, to provide cardinal point dimensional specifications • Work with EBAC, E3 Design, Echo Brand Design and Godrej and Boyce and ‘Should Cost’ modellers to develop an In-Service operational specification and produce a Bill of Material • Continue existing and develop new IPR, for the washing machine, hangers and system, with Forresters • Produce 5 – 6 pre-production prototypes, for installation and use within the Blackwood Organisation

The Project is to undertake the next phase of a research and development activity, for a low consumption washing machine, that minimises water, soap and energy usage. The clothes are washed vertically, with no rotational movement, as a result, the when dried, they are ready to wear and don't require ironing. The machine monitors wash loads and dirt levels and will apply specialist cleaners; his will result in lower environmental impacts, with consequent reductions in water and power consumption. The design also offers opportunities to make a more user friendly appliance, with benefits for a whole range of users, the elderly, people with limited mobility and so on, who currently have difficulties with conventional designs The project will seek to produce empirical proof of concept data on pressures, positioning, airflows and soap requirements. This data will be used with a manufacturer for pre-production prototypes and eventually into the market, so exploiting the IPR currently going through various regional and national phases.