Marvel Comics currently has 10 characters with names beginning in “Z”, but Zipperbot is not one of them. The ability to automatically unzip might pass for a super-power in some settings but that was not what the team at MIT had in mind. In a world where robots can put out fires, respond to disasters, and gather military intelligence behind enemy lines, you could be forgiven for thinking that zipping up is just a bit mundane.
Pundits have suggested that ZBot could help avoid fumbling with your coat with your winter gloves on, although a better solution for that might be a remedial class in how to dress yourself. Preferred applications could involve helping the elderly or disabled be more independent, or removing bio-hazard suits where touching the zipper is not a good idea.
Creator Adam Whiton recently received his PhD from MIT’s Personal Robots group, and has started a company, Betazip, which will feature Zipperbot as its first product.
Check out Zipperbot in action