Julie Dunbar 4D Printing Self-Assembly & Programmable Matter

Road Map Definitions Programmable Matter The Claytronics Project (Catoms) The Self-Assembly Project Biomolecular Self Assembly Skylar Tibbits 4D Printing Technologies Used Future of 4D Printing Discussion

Definitions 4D Printing – Taking a 3D printed object and adding the ability of transformation by embedding a program directly into the materials themselves. Self-Assembly – a process by which disordered parts build an ordered structure through only local action. Programmable Matter – matter that has the ability to change its physical properties in a programmable fashion, based upon user input or autonomous sensing.

Programmable Matter High-volume nanoscale assembly. Ability to inexpensively produce millimeter-scale units that integrate computing, sensing, actuation, and locomotion mechanisms. A collection of these nanoscale units is programmable matter.

The Claytronics Project Carnegie Mellon University & Intel Research of Pittsburgh Investigating ways to create a physical artifact using programmable matter that will eventually be able to mimic the original object’s shape, movement, visual appearance, sound, and tactile qualities. Catoms (Claytronic Atoms) Catoms can Move in three dimensions in relation to other catoms. Adhere to other catoms to maintain a 3D shape. Communicate with other catoms in an ensemble. Compute state information with possible assistance from other catoms in the ensemble.

Ideal Catoms A unit with a CPU, a network device, a single-pixel display, one or more sensors, a means of locomotion, and a mechanism for adhering to other catoms.

Catom Prototype 44 mm Catom Prototype: 24 electromagnets arranged in a pair of stacked rings. To move, a pair of catoms in contact with one another pair must appropriately energize the next set of magnets along each of their circumferences. 100 ms to make a one-step move.

The Self-Assembly Project Partnered with AutoDesk to represent biomolecular self-assembly at the human scale. Beakers filled with red, black, or white parts that will transform into a unique molecule when energy is applied.

Biomolecular Self-Assembly 3 Parts: Geometry – shape of each unit in a complete system. Attraction – each unit has patterns of elements that attract through positive and negative interactions which provide auto-alignment. Energy – proper amount of energy to enable interactions to be made and to form a complete assembly.

Biomolecular Self-Assembly… Polio Virus Step 1 Step 2 Result

Skylar Tibbits Researcher & Architect Professor at MIT Founded the Self-Assembly Lab at MIT Focuses on developing programmable materials for the human scale world. Developing 4D Printing Programmable Matter Self Assembly

4D Printing “The ability to program physical and biological materials to change shape, change properties, and compute outside of silicon based matter.” -Skylar Tibbits Goal: Take nano/biomolecular self-assembly and apply to human scale in order to build infrastructure more efficiently.

Technologies Used - Autodesk CAD program for designing 3D structures with the ability to transform.

Technologies Used - AutoDesk Project Cyborg - a cloud-based meta-platform of design tools for programming matter across domains and scales. Domains range from nanoparticle design to tissue engineering, to self-assembling human-scale manufacturing.

Project Cyborg

Future Use Expanding/Contracting Water Pipes (Geo Syntec) Large scale construction in extreme environments

Discussion & Questions

References matter iup.passhe.edu/csdl/mags/co/2005/06/r6099.pdf iup.passhe.edu/csdl/proceedings/icqnm/2008/3085/00/3085a028.pdf