If you wear jeans, carry a bag, and sometimes in winter put on a jacket or coat, you probably use zippers. The technology behind the zipper, which officially appeared in our world about a hundred years ago, has not changed substantially for decades. Now, the world’s largest zipper manufacturer intends to change that – with motorized zippers that open and close by themselves.
The Japanese company YKK recently announced successful trial results of an automatic zipper prototype. According to the company, the new technology can help people close objects in hard-to-reach areas, so if the idea takes off, it is expected to appear first in industrial settings.
The motorized zipper includes a motor and a system of gears, controlled by a wired remote. Two trials demonstrated how it can assist industrial workers in situations where closing materials could be dangerous or cumbersome. In one video, a demonstration shows the zipper connecting two pieces of fabric and climbing upwards to a height of five meters – a height almost impossible to reach without a ladder or scaffolding, while the device completed the path in about 40 seconds.
In another video, a person struggles to connect two parts of a tent, which is 2.5 meters high and four meters wide. In contrast, the automatic zipper manages to connect the entire tent in about 50 seconds. It is not yet clear if and when the automatic zipper will reach the consumer market – for example, clothing items. The current prototype is still relatively large and bulky, and it is operated by a large wired remote, so the technology will need adaptation.
As mentioned, the company focuses the product initially on industrial uses, since a consumer version will require additional safety mechanisms. Nevertheless, a zipper that can be opened and closed with one hand could be a particularly useful solution for people with disabilities.
Although YKK is not a household name, most people probably encounter the company’s products daily. If you look at the back of the zipper on your pants or jacket, there is a good chance you will find the company logo. YKK products also often appear in suitcases, sportswear, protective equipment, car interiors, and more.
Beyond zippers, YKK also develops other technologies and new types of fasteners. A video released last March showed a prototype of a magnetic clasp intended to replace the standard clasp in suits. Another video from last year demonstrated another magnetic version of a zipper, where the two parts stick together but can easily open even when the zipper is partially or fully closed. The company regularly publishes demonstrations of other technologies as well, such as unique buttons and accessories.