In the past, the future was depicted in study magazines and other publications. Various future technologies such as "videophone," "wall-mounted TV," and "flying cars" were introduced.

Many of these have already been realized or are close to being realized. However, only the "silver clothes of the future," the "clothes without buttons" that can be put on and taken off in an instant by touching a part of the clothes, has not been realized. In fact, it seems to be fading from many people's memories.

The Personal Robotics Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed Zipperbot, an ultra-compact robot that can open and close zippers automatically. This technology will make "the clothes of the future" a reality, allowing people to put on and take off their clothes just by touching them.


When the Zipperbot is turned on, it moves while closing the zipper and stops when the zipper is completely closed. Conversely, when the zipper is closed, the Zipperbot will open the zipper when the switch is turned on. Even though the Zipperbot is still in the prototype stage, it is already small enough to be attached to a jacket without much discomfort.


Unfortunately, MIT is not developing the Zipperbot for science fiction. The company is developing this technology to provide clothes that can be automatically put on and taken off for people with disabilities or those in need of nursing care. However, not many people are interested in wearing that silver clothing, and few may be disappointed. The clothes may be useful, but the design sucks.


However, if this technology is put to practical use, the general public will benefit. For example, the "Zipperbot" could be useful when you want to open the front of your coat while wearing gloves.


See the video below to see the Zipperbot prototype in action.