# High-Tech Building Blocks The MIT Kinetic Blocks Project Explores New Forms of Object Manipulation By Charlotte Joyce Kidd | Published 2015-10-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinetic-blocks References: [techinsider.io](http://www.techinsider.io/mit-kinetic-blocks-project-2015-10) & [tangible.media.mit.edu](http://tangible.media.mit.edu/project/kinetic-blocks/) The [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel) Kinetic Blocks project explores new ways of moving and manipulating objects using digital technology -- and building blocks! The Kinetic Blocks project essentially consists of a large, moving mat which is capable of manipulating building blocks placed on its surface. The mat is composed of independently mobile vertical columns, which the Kinetic Blocks team calls "pins." Using a tablet, a controller can instruct the pins to move in specific patterns. By moving certain combinations of pins, the mat can stack large square blocks on top of each other and then knock them down again, rotate blocks around their x, y and z axes and even create larger, more complex block structures. This MIT Kinetic Blocks project explores a revolutionary concept for [automation in assembly and construction](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speech-to-reality), unveiling some extremely exciting possibilities for the future. In the meantime, it's simply the coolest set of building blocks ever invented. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 31% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Object Manipulation:** The MIT Kinetic Blocks project introduces new ways of moving and manipulating objects using digital technology. - **Automation in Assembly:** The Kinetic Blocks project presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for automation in assembly and construction. - **Revolutionary Building Blocks:** The MIT Kinetic Blocks project unveils a revolutionary concept for building blocks with exciting possibilities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Construction:** The Kinetic Blocks technology offers disruptive innovation opportunities for automation in construction processes. - **Manufacturing:** The object manipulation capabilities of the Kinetic Blocks project can revolutionize manufacturing processes. - **Education:** The MIT Kinetic Blocks project introduces a new type of educational tool for teaching object manipulation and construction concepts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tech-Driven Building Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-9.md) - [NFC-Enabled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/educational-building-blocks.md) - [Modular Robotics Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-robotics-kit.md) - [Sensor-Driven Play Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-smart-bricks.md) - [Big Apple Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/machi-town-new-york.md) - [Innovative Toy Creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinetic-building-system.md) - [Origami-Inspired Playful Magnetic Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trido.md) - [Magnetic Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecraft.md) - [Combination Building Block Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omnicompatible-wooden-bricks.md)