WTF?! Most people probably use zippers every day, but the technology behind them has remained fundamentally the same for decades. The world's largest zipper manufacturer aims to change that with motorized zippers that fasten and unfasten themselves. If the idea gains traction, it will initially emerge in enterprise settings. Japanese manufacturer YKK recently announced successful testing results for a prototype automatic zipper. The company suggests that it could help people fasten objects in difficult-to-reach areas. The self-propelled zipper contains a motor and gears that users control with a wired remote. Two experiments demonstrated how it can help industrial workers connect fabrics and other materials in situations that might otherwise introduce unnecessary risk. One video shows the zipper fastening two pieces of cloth together, moving upward to a height of 5 meters (around 15 feet) – otherwise unreachable without a ladder or scaffolding. The device gets to the top in about 40 seconds. A second clip shows a person struggling to zip two pieces of a tent together because the top rises to about 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), and the tent is 4 meters (31.1 feet) wide. Conversely, the automatic zipper connects the tent in about 50 seconds. It remains unclear when or if an automatic zipper would reach consumer markets like clothing. YKK's prototype is several inches long and draws power from a large wired controller, so the technology must be miniaturized. Furthermore, the company likely positioned the product toward industrial settings first because a consumer-facing version would require additional safety measures. Still, a zipper that users can open and shut without needing two hands might be useful for people with disabilities. // Related Stories Although YKK isn't a widely discussed company, most people probably wear their products daily. Those who examine the backs of zippers on pants or jackets will likely find YKK's logo on most of them. The company's fasteners also frequently appear on luggage, sportswear, protective gear, vehicle interiors, etc. Additionally, YKK manufactures other tech and frequently experiments with new types of fasteners. A video from March shows a magnetic clasp to replace those typically found on dress pants. Another clip from last year demonstrates a magnetic zipper with two halves that clasp together but can be easily pulled open when partially or fully zipped. Videos for buttons and other unique accessories are also available on YKK's YouTube channel.