Functional Digital Materials

Overview

The Functional Digital Materials project, started in June 2009, explores a new approach to materials and manufacturing where discrete, functional components can be assembled into larger structures with emergent properties. This work bridges the gap between digital design and physical fabrication.

Technical Details

Material System

• Discrete building blocks

• Functional interfaces

• Assembly mechanisms

• Property programming

Implementation

• Component design

• Interface specifications

• Assembly methods

• Property verification

Media

Innovation

• Novel material system approach

• Programmable material properties

• Scalable manufacturing method

• Digital-physical integration

Applications

• Advanced manufacturing

• Programmable materials

• Smart structures

• Reconfigurable systems

Impact

• New paradigm for materials design

• Influence on digital fabrication

• Advanced manufacturing concepts

• Scalable production methods