14 DAY TRIAL // Robots have been advancing rather quickly, but wearable technology has been moving even faster, at least in terms of how quickly its profile has grown among customers, awareness-wise.
It was obvious that a wearable robot would eventually be created. Automation and power generation are the two main goals on the wearable tech market after all.
Power generation is mostly about harnessing body motions, but integrating solar cells into fabrics has been considered as well.
Even without that energy, however, it is possible to create some truly interesting gadgets that never need to leave your side.
Smartwatches and augmented reality headsets are obvious no-brainers, as are fitness trackers. However, being obvious they have also been quite thoroughly researched and refined by now.
That is why even groups like MIT are now looking into uncanny things, bordering on bizarre. Here is an example.
The Zipperbot from Sartorial Robotics
Sartorial Robotics is a project run by MIT's Personal Robotics Group, with the goal of enhancing the social aspects of human-robotic interaction.
And they don't just refer to little robotic assistants, or vacuum cleaners liable to assault you in your sleep because they think your hair looks tasty.
Instead, they are looking into things significantly more unusual. The Zipperbot itself is a small device whose sole purpose is to zip up your jacket or cuffs without aid. While it is too large for use in pants, that's only a matter of time.
Practical applications
Using it in normal clothing might be somewhat ill advised at present, since the Zipperbot does not look all that glamorous. Also, it gets power through cables.
However, if it gets a small battery, it could become a good and useful add-on for hazmat suits, spacesuits and other clothing like that.
In fact, even if it does not get small enough for use in all types of clothes, the Zipperbot could certainly be useful on winter coats, especially if you've already got your gloves on. See the video below for a demonstration of the Zipperbot in action.
