Morph design

A joint nanotechnology partnership between the University of Cambridge and Nokia has unveiled its concept for the future of mobile phones.

All of these innovative capabilities mean a world of radically different devices for communicating and interacting with each other in unprecedented ways,

Dr Tapani Ryhänen

Flexible, stretchable, foldable, self-cleaning and solar-chargeable: this is the new Morph design concept for the mobile devices of tomorrow that was launched in February at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Based on the latest nanotechnology and sensor research, the Morph design showcases the revolutionary leaps being explored by Nokia Research Center (NRC) in collaboration with Cambridge Nanoscience Centre, part of the Department of Engineering.

Nanoscale technologies lend themselves to the manufacture of incredibly strong yet flexible materials with such a degree of elasticity that devices can literally change shape to adapt to the task at hand. Nanostructured surfaces repel water and dirt, and in-built nanosensors have the potential to allow users to examine the environment around them in completely new ways.

‘All of these innovative capabilities mean a world of radically different devices for communicating and interacting with each other in unprecedented ways,’ said Dr Tapani Ryhänen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK Laboratory. ‘The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.’

A long-term programme of joint research projects between Cambridge Nanoscience Centre and Nokia began following the announcement of their partnership in March 2007. ‘Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together,’ said Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering’s Nanoscience Group. ‘We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience,’ added Dr Ryhänen.

For more information, please contact Cambridge Nanoscience Centre (www.nanoscience.cam.ac.uk).

 


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