MIT researchers revive 40-year-old triangular zipper concept now made possible by 3D printing, creating shape-shifting robots and deployable structures — 3D-printed 'Y-Zipper' turns floppy tentacles into rigid beams in seconds

MIT CSAIL researchers turned a 1980s triangular zipper concept into the Y-Zipper, a 3-sided mechanism that locks three flexible arms into a rigid tube.

Using 3D printing and custom software, they demonstrated customizable forms including beams, arches, coils, a tent frame, and a robotic leg system.

The design enables soft-to-rigid transitions, letting structures stay easy to transport and then stiffen on demand.

Researchers say the approach could support robotics, temporary shelters, load-bearing supports, and medical devices like a wrist cast.