News: 0177143153

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World's Biggest Zipper Maker Is Developing a Self-Propelled Zipper (theverge.com)

(Friday April 25, 2025 @11:30PM (BeauHD) from the just-what-we-need dept.)


YKK, the world's largest zipper maker, has [1]unveiled a prototype self-propelled zipper that [2]uses a motorized worm gear to zip itself closed at the push of a button . It currently relies on a wired remote and external power, and can zip spans up to 16 feet in under a minute. The Verge reports:

> Although some recent zipper innovations, such as [3]Under Armour's one-handed MagZip upgrade , are designed to improve accessibility and make zippers easier to use for those with limited mobility, YKK envisions more industrial use cases for its prototype. As demonstrated in a video recently shared on the company's YouTube channel, the self-propelled zipper is seen connecting a pair of 16-foot-tall membranes in about 40 seconds. Zipping them together manually would require the use of a ladder or other machinery.

>

> In another video, the prototype is used to quickly connect a pair of 13-foot-wide temporary shelters standing over eight feet tall, taking about 50 seconds to progress from one side to the other. [...] In addition to miniaturizing the tech and adding a battery, YKK would also need to develop some safety mechanisms before its self-propelled zipper could ever reach consumers' clothing, ensuring there's nothing that might get stuck.



[1] https://www.ykk.com/newsroom/g_news/2025/20250424.html

[2] https://www.theverge.com/news/656535/ykk-self-propelled-zipper-prototype

[3] https://gearjunkie.com/apparel/under-armour-magzip-zipper-review


Self Propelled Zipper . . . (Score:5, Funny)

by Local ID10T ( 790134 )

What could possibly go wrong? (ouch)

Re: (Score:1)

by The Grim Reefer ( 1162755 )

Warning: Not for use on men's pants.

Re: (Score:2)

by quenda ( 644621 )

That movie is 27 years old now - would people still get the reference? And Cameron Diaz is 52.

Re: (Score:2)

by ihavesaxwithcollies ( 10441708 )

Zipper? That movie was made in 2015.

Pinched Elephant Trunks In 3..2..1 (Score:1)

by zenlessyank ( 748553 )

So let's have a running bet as to how long before this company gets sued out of existence.

As someone who has deployed portable stuff... (Score:5, Interesting)

by ctilsie242 ( 4841247 )

As someone who has deployed portable stuff, this could be immensely useful, provided the zipper doesn't get fouled on dirt or grime, especially for larger stuff like beer tents. If it is remotely controlled, it could even be used to open/close vents in the top which can be useful if the weather turns from hot to rainy.

Overall, it is a simple thing, but there are a lot of niche applications for this where it can come in handy.

Not resting on laurels (Score:2)

by reanjr ( 588767 )

Good to know some companies aren't resting on their laurels and continue to innovate. YKK is ubiquitous to the point it's noticable when a zipper is not made by them.

YKK, the world's largest zipper maker (Score:2)

by PPH ( 736903 )

The worlds largest manufacturer of zippers. Or the manufacturer of the worlds largest zipper?

How soon before it's hacked? (Score:2)

by Hans Lehmann ( 571625 )

I'm assuming it's controlled by wireless of some sort, maybe from a phone app. Does a zipper company think about security, or will there be outbreaks of people having their zippers unzipped, if you follow my drift?

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