Digitally Printed Magnetic Shape-Shifters

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MIT Develops Objects That Respond to Magnetic Stimuli

— July 3, 2018 — Art & Design
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology develops a collection of objects that can accurately be described as magnetic shape-shifters. The entities are digitally produced and they range from a ring that changes its texture to a self-folding sheet. Perhaps the most impresive of the bunch is a spider-like creature that can "crawl, roll, jump and snap together quick enough to catch a passing ball."

In the development of these fun and innovative magnetic shape-shifters, the MIT engineers made use of specially developed 3D-printable ink that includes tiny magnetic particles. This is done by placing "an electromagnet around the nozzle of a 3D printer." As a result, when a magnet is waved in the vicinity, the objects respond adequately and "almost instantaneously."

Trend Themes

  1. Digitally Printed Objects — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of digitally printed objects that can respond to stimuli, opening up new possibilities for interactive and adaptive products.
  2. Magnetic Shape-shifting — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Investigate the application of magnetic shape-shifting technology in various industries, such as robotics, healthcare, and consumer electronics.
  3. 3D Printable Ink — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced 3D printable inks infused with magnetic particles to enable the creation of responsive and dynamic objects in fields like architecture and fashion.

Industry Implications

  1. Robotics — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the integration of magnetic shape-shifters in robotics to create adaptable and versatile robotic systems with enhanced locomotion capabilities.
  2. Healthcare — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Investigate the use of magnetic shape-shifting objects in healthcare for applications such as controlled drug delivery, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical tools.
  3. Consumer Electronics — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate magnetic shape-shifting technology into consumer electronics to create interactive and customizable devices that can adapt to user preferences and needs.
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