(NaturalNews) The Structures Research team at Cambridge University has developed "shape shifting" technology, which can be applied to solid structures, making things like roll-up keyboards and laptop displays a possibility.
The morphing structures will allow researchers to improve the portability of computer technology through the production of flexible configurations for hard materials -- including metals -- without having to rely on any complex parts or manufacturing processes.
The real challenge, the engineers said, was to create a substance that could dramatically change in shape, yet still be able to retain strength and stiffness.
"Typically, civil engineering structures are designed to be strong and stiff," said Keith Seffen, an engineering lecturer at Cambridge University. "When they are not, the consequences can be disastrous."
The Cambridge team uses a variety of pre-stressing methods to demonstrate their hard structures can change radically in shape, yet still self-lock into a new configuration and work normally under usual operating conditions.
The team has focused on developing electronic paper, also known as e-paper, which allows the display of changing text and images on a flexible, laminated paper screen. The researchers have thus far managed to create an A5-sized, flat display screen, which can also be locked into a tube shape for easy portability in a briefcase or pocket.
The team has filed for a patent on their devices -- similar technology is currently being developed for aerospace applications -- and is currently seeking partners to assist in product development.
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