Thesis: The “Hail Halter” is an automatically deployable shelter that is able to protect the user and their property from the elements at a moment's notice. Using a combination of soft-robotics, pressure sensors, and sturdy-base components, the “Hail Halter” creates an inflatable layer of protection.

As volatile weather events continue to increase in occurrence due to climate change, the necessity for quickly deployable temporary shelters continues to increase. With this in mind, the “Hail Halter” was created to provide the user with a space-efficient, non-bulky, and automatic inflatable shelter that seeks to question traditional architecture’s over-reliance on hard materials. Inspired by the simple airbag, The “Hail Halter” operates on the premise that hail, heavy rain, or flying debris will trigger a customizable sensitive sensor, deploying the inflatable layer of protection before the user is even aware there is a problem. The “Hail Halter” is designed for anyone who seeks to protect themselves and their car, tent, or any other less-than-sturdy form of shelter.