Google Japan’s rotating conveyor belt keyboard concept released as open source

Google Japan has unveiled a quirky keyboard concept called the Gboard “Kurukuru,” which takes a literal approach to reducing hand movement during typing. Instead of requiring the user to reach for keys, the Kurukuru features four rotating conveyor belts, each carrying 29 keys. Announced on October 1, 2026, this DIY project is designed to bring characters to the typist’s fingers, allowing for one-handed typing or even the use of both hands with two units.

The concept shifts the challenge from reaching to timing, as users must wait for the desired character to appear on the belt before pressing it. Google suggests potential features like a high-speed mode and different sizes, though these remain unconfirmed. The company emphasizes that this is an open-source project, not a retail product, with detailed build guides and 3D-print files available for enthusiasts to assemble their own version.

However, the Kurukuru lacks usability testing to prove improvements in comfort, speed, or accuracy. The build guide also notes that Bluetooth functionality and full wiring documentation are still forthcoming. Despite these limitations, the project serves as an intriguing experiment in keyboard design, offering makers a chance to explore and adapt the mechanism behind moving keys.