Programmable Matter from the Intel Lab

Programmable Matter from the Intel Lab

Imagine an object whose shape and color can be freely changed with a few hand movements and which can be molded as easily as clay. The realization of this vision should be closer to the project being carried out by scientists from Intel Labs in Pittsburgh. Intel engineers are collaborating with researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in the US to create matter that can be programmed. Intelligent matter called Claytronics is made up of millions of microscopic spheres called Catoms (

Claytronics Atom). Catoms, in turn, are miniature robots that work together and are held together by electrostatic tension. The model, built from millions of smart spheres, will be fully modifiable.

Thanks to appropriate programming, it will be possible to manipulate the distribution of Catoms in space, thus changing the shape and color of the object. In practice, programmable matter technology will mean virtually limitless possibilities, limited only by the human imagination. XNUMXD objects composed of many microscopic spheres can be dynamically modeled using intuitive hand movements. The technology Intel is working on could have many applications, from medical simulation to industrial design, presentations and visualization in advertising. (Carnegie Mellon University)

Claytronics - Physical Dynamic Imaging

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