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Sartorial robot can fasten and unfasten a zipper by itself
The Sartorial Robotics effort from MIT’s Personal Robots Group is aimed at creating “robotic systems that utilize the human-centric system of clothing to create robotics for human-robot social interaction.” As part of that team, researcher Adam Whiton focused his Ph.D. thesis on developing the Zipperbot, a “robotic continuous closure for fabric edge joining.”
Using optical sensors, the Zipperbot is able to accurately align a zipper’s teeth so it doesn’t become jammed or snag on surrounding material. Motion sensors help the unit zip and unzip as needed.
In one demonstration, Whiton added the Zipperbot to a form-fitting skirt. The unit correctly adjusted the zipper based on the user’s movements (for example, unzipping a little to allow the wearer more freedom for walking). Another possible use for the Zipperbot is in “assistive clothing,” which would aid people with disabilities in dressing themselves. According to the Daily Mail, Whiton is also looking at ways to integrate the Zipperbot into biohazard suits, or in situations where hazardous materials or even bulky gloves don’t allow for touching clothing or other materials.
Using optical sensors, the Zipperbot is able to accurately align a zipper’s teeth so it doesn’t become jammed or snag on surrounding material. Motion sensors help the unit zip and unzip as needed.
In one demonstration, Whiton added the Zipperbot to a form-fitting skirt. The unit correctly adjusted the zipper based on the user’s movements (for example, unzipping a little to allow the wearer more freedom for walking). Another possible use for the Zipperbot is in “assistive clothing,” which would aid people with disabilities in dressing themselves. According to the Daily Mail, Whiton is also looking at ways to integrate the Zipperbot into biohazard suits, or in situations where hazardous materials or even bulky gloves don’t allow for touching clothing or other materials.
Whole article by Amy Norcross of Engineer Design News at
http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/tech-edge/4439283/Sartorial-robot-can-fasten-and-unfasten-a-zipper-by-itself?_mc=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_funfriday_20150501&cid=NL_EDN_EDT_EDN_funfriday_20150501&elq=ac591a52446e4bd393dc3100931c497a&elqCampaignId=22802&elqaid=25655&elqat=1&elqTrackId=aa843acd742d40bdbfbb9b314671b4eb
