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MIT develops ‘river of 3D pixels’ to assemble objects

BIM and Information Technology

MIT develops ‘river of 3D pixels’ to assemble objects

The Kinetic Blocks can manipulate objects into shapes without human interference.


By Adilla Menayang, Asistant Digital Editor | October 29, 2015
MIT develops ‘river of 3-D pixels’ to assemble objects

The Kinetic Block by MIT's Tangible Media Group

Researchers at MIT are finding ways to make objects and buildings construct themselves, such as this rock-and-string structure MIT collaborated with ETH Zurich on display at the Chicago Biennial.

Another addition to the self-building portfolio is Kinetic Blocks. Developed by MIT’s Tangible Media Group, the shapeshifting display of computer-controlled pins can manipulate objects to take form.

According to Fast Company, Kinetic Blocks is a “flatbed ‘shape display’ with a Microsoft Kinect as an overhanging eye.” The device can stock, rotate, twist, and move blocks without any human intervention. “It can even construct preprogrammed structures,” the article says.

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