This Tiny Robot Can Zip Your Jacket for You

While most of us take zippers for granted, fastening pants, dresses, backpacks, and the like, hacker Haresh Karnan decided that this device needed a robotic upgrade.

His setup consists of a 3D-printed enclosure that holds two small gear motors against the fabric next to the zipper teeth, and pulls the slider open or shut as needed. Rubber bands are used to enhance the rotor gripping ability.

While currently a manual device with power supplied externally, one could imagine this type of assembly being automated for the next generation of wearable tech. Perhaps a suit that could zip itself up, or even automatically open a pocket when you need an ID or tool!

Be sure to check it out in the video seen here!