Google Japan unveils experimental conveyor-belt keyboard

Google Japan's Gboard team has introduced its latest experimental project: a DIY conveyor-belt keyboard. The device features 116 keys mounted on four looping belts that move characters toward the user's fingertip, designed primarily to assist with one-handed or single-finger typing. This unique contraption is the 15th entry in Google Japan's series of unconventional keyboard designs. While Google has no plans to commercialize the device, it has released the design files, including 3D printing schematics and firmware, as open-source documentation on GitHub under an Apache 2.0 license. The project aims to challenge traditional keyboard ergonomics by bringing the keys to the user rather than requiring the user to reach across a static board. Although the assembly process is complex and requires significant effort, the initiative highlights Google's ongoing commitment to exploring creative, albeit absurd, human-computer interaction methods.