Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) held a Product Development Exhibition 2023 on Wednesday (18/1). This program was a follow-up to the Product Development Design (PPP) Course. The background of this program was to respond to the challenges of the 5.0 Era from industrial developments, especially digital technology. The Head of the UMM Industrial Engineering Study Program, Shanty Kusuma Dewi MT mentioned that the program aimed to grow the development of creative products.

Shanty also explained that the students produced tools, and applications, which have the potential for commercialization and patents. The Organizing Committee, Taufik Prihandoko SST explained that each tool has the potential to be followed up for Student Creativity Program or Thesis. “I see a lot of potential products. I hope there will be several tools that can pass the National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) this year,” he said.

One interesting tool was the Rain-Proof Clothesline by Maulana and Izzatul. Both are seventh-semester industrial engineering students. The tool can help when drying clothes. When it’s hot, it automatically widens the range so clothes can get light. Conversely, when it rains, the tool can move to the roof and make the clothesline safe from the rain.

“So we have a sensor attached. The sensor is sensitive to water, so when it rains it will detect and protect clothes from getting wet. The tool is also equipped with wheels so that it will be easier to move,” said Maulana.

Regarding the exhibition, he felt very proud that his creations were visited and appreciated. According to him, young people must be creative and innovative so that they can come up with useful inventions. “In the future, we will certainly develop it. For example by adding the Bluetooth feature or manually moving it via a smartphone even though the person is not at home,” he concluded.