Google Japan tests conveyor belt keyboard for one-handed typing

Google Japan has introduced its fifteenth experimental keyboard design with the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version, unveiled on October 1. The playful date reference, 101, harks back to a full-size keyboard layout with a number pad, a tradition since Google retired its April Fools posts in 2021. Unlike conventional keyboards, this one keeps a user's hand stationary while rotating belts display characters for selection. Four staggered belts, each carrying 29 keys, total 116 keys, eliminating the need for a shift key.

The design aims to simplify one-handed typing, addressing the challenge of covering a wide range with a single hand. Google suggests users can maintain a stationary position while the keyboard brings keys within reach, allowing multitasking with the other hand. The team has shared design files on GitHub, including 3D-printed components, circuit designs, and firmware, but notes that keypress transmission to a computer remains unspecified.

This isn't Google Japan's first unconventional keyboard. Previous designs included a wearable hat keyboard and a rotary phone-inspired model. The team is exploring enhancements like color options, faster belts, and smaller versions for phones, though stone keycaps were dismissed due to potential weight issues. The current design requires precise timing, as corrections or repeated letters necessitate waiting for the next belt rotation.