This Biotech Glove Solves Your ‘Carrying Drinks From the Bar’ Problem

You’ve just ordered four pints. Crossing the front bar grasping three is something you can do, but four is out of the question. You once saw a young bartender do it but she was a professional. The thought of your mates laughing as you stand above a mess of broken glass and wasted beer is too much. And asking for a tray also means asking for help, which is obviously out of the question. So instead, whipping out a 3D-printed glove that gives you an additional two hands is clearly a great solution.

Apparently Italian designer Federico Ciccarese has also experienced the same four-pint problem with Peronis, because his company, Youbionic, have created such a glove and named it the Double Hand.

And if you don’t understand how any of this could work, watch this video demonstration that features some fairly dramatic bongo drumming (no doubt performed with four hands).

Made from 3D-printed plastic parts, the robotic hands are limited to a basic open-and-close movement, which is controlled by moving two of your real fingers. This excludes you from performing more dexterous actions such as writing, painting, or playing piano. Actually, it excludes you from most things, except carrying beers.

And be mindful that if you “add to cart” you’ll be facing a pricetag of AU$3000 at the checkout. So you may not even be able to afford the next round.