DIY Automatic Laundry Folding Machine

This project is a budget-friendly, automated laundry folding machine built using an Arduino Uno and recycled cardboard. By utilizing two micro-servos and a simple C++ script, the machine executes a timed two-stage fold—flipping the side and then the bottom of a garment—to achieve a retail-style finish. It’s an ideal "Weekend Warrior" project that demonstrates how basic geometry and entry-level robotics can solve a universal household chore.

cardboard

arduino uno

2 servos

duct tape

jumper wires

old servo horns

tooth picks

scissors

breadboard

a small t-shirt

The foundation of the machine is a 31" x 24" cardboard sheet. This acts as the "table" where you lay the clothes and serves as the mounting point for your servo motors.

To program the machine, copy and paste the code below into the Arduino IDE and upload it to your Uno. This script tells the servos exactly how far to rotate and how long to wait between folds. Feel free to edit if you'd like!

#include <Servo.h>

Servo rightServo;

Servo bottomServo;

int restPos = 0;

int foldPos = 180;

void setup() {

rightServo.attach(9);

bottomServo.attach(10);

// Initialize servos at rest

rightServo.write(restPos);

bottomServo.write(restPos);

delay(500);

// Sequence: Fold Right

rightServo.write(foldPos);

delay(1200);

rightServo.write(restPos);

delay(2000); // Pause for fabric to settle

// Sequence: Fold Bottom

bottomServo.write(foldPos);

delay(1200);

bottomServo.write(restPos);

}

void loop() {

// Empty - sequence runs once per Reset

}

Using cardboard and scissors, cut out two flaps:

1. Side Flap: 8" x 21"
2. Bottom Flap: 8" x 14"

Connect the 5V pin from the Arduino to the positive rail of your breadboard.

Connect the GND pin to the negative rail.

For both servos: Connect the Red wire to Positive, the Brown/Black wire to Negative (GND), and the Orange/Yellow signal wires to Digital Pins 9 and 10.

Tape the old servo horns to the base and push one end of the toothpick through

Push a toothpick through the cardboard to act as a pivot/hinge.

Mount the servos to the base at a 90-degree angle so the horn can effectively "throw" each flap over.

Plug the Arduino into your computer or a power bank. Lay a small T-shirt flat on the base (borrowing one from your little sister works great!) and press the Reset button on the Arduino. The machine will automatically execute two folds that are timed for you resulting in a nicely folded shirt! NOTE: You'll need to adjust your build if you want to folder larger pieces of laundry.