This page provides information related to the bicilavadora
In the developing world, washing laundry is a difficult, time-consuming task that falls solely on women. Mothers and daughters typically spend 8 hours each week scrubbing each piece of their family's clothing and wringing out the harsh washing solution by hand.
Powered washing machines exist, but they are impractical in rural regions because running water and electric are expensive or unavailable. Several groups already tried to build machines for these regions but they have been unsuccessful. Their machines were either expensive to build and repair because they require imported parts or they do not wash effectively.
Our invention is the Bicilavadora, a low cost, pedal-powered washing machine that is designed around readily available parts. Its innovation is its simple design and its use of inexpensive plastic barrels and bicycle components. The Bicilavadora is reliable, easy to operate and uses no electricity. The parts are available locally, so Bicilavadoras can be manufactured and repaired in the community without depending on imported goods.
Our community partner is MayaPedal, a non-governmental organization in Chimaltenango, Guatemala, that currently builds and sells pedal-powered machines in their community. People in Chimaltenango have already asked MayaPedal to develop a washing machine, so the demand is clear. MayaPedal is eager to work with us to develop the Bicilavadora and their community has already proven that they will
accept novel pedal-powered technology. After the Bicilavadora gains acceptance in Chimaltenango, we will share the technology with people around the world with the same need.
The project was worked on during Spring 2005 as part of D-lab:
--For the final presentation click here.
-- For the final report click here.
The project was also an IDEAS competition winner in 2005:
-- For the application click here.
For a summary of tests of the first prototye click here.
While in the field, some interviews were conducted:
-- First interviews; These interviews are with women in Guatemala, particularly about issues related to clothes washing. click here.
-- Second interview set; These interviews are related to pedal power technology in the area. click here.
In addition we have several collections of pictures:
-- from Jess click here.
-- from Kim click here.
-- from Gwyn/Victoria/Mario via Alex click here.
To contact the team about the project please email teresab at mit dot edu.
Links of interest:
-- MITERS MayaPedal page click here.
-- MayaPedal in Guatemala click here.
Thank you for your interest!