flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

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.

Related Stories

Giants 400 | Dec 14, 2017

Top 150 BIM design firms

Jacobs, Gensler, and WSP top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest BIM design firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.

BIM and Information Technology | Dec 12, 2017

Reflecting on the future of work

'I believe in the potential for new technology to positively impact the quality of the built environment with immense speed and great efficiency,' writes Proving Ground's Nathan Miller.

Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Nov 30, 2017

A million small connections: Designing the new NY bridge

New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge first opened to traffic in 1955.

Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Nov 8, 2017

3 ways to protect your firm from cyber threats

While AEC firms may not have the vast quantity of financial information that certain other types of businesses do, the confidential and sensitive information your firm has can be just as damaging to your clients if it gets into the wrong hands.

Augmented Reality | Nov 6, 2017

Three VR + AR innovations to watch

From heat mapping to VR-based meetings, check out this trio of virtual and augmented reality applications for AEC teams.

Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 3, 2017

4 strategies for marketing your AEC firm

Having a clearly defined competitive brand and a fine-tuned marketing approach can give your firm a significant competitive advantage.

BIM and Information Technology | Oct 18, 2017

Project Frog announces Autodesk investment

Autodesk’s investment in Project Frog creates a common data environment, streamlines design and engineering processes, and optimizes architectural design for manufacturing.

BIM and Information Technology | Oct 12, 2017

Laser scanners go handheld

The emergence of handheld 3D laser scanners has been a boon for firms looking to lower costs and speed up turnaround time.

Sponsored | BIM and Information Technology | Oct 10, 2017

Moody Engineering, Inc. utilizes 3D scanner to meet challenges of phosphoric acid tank remodel

By integrating creativity and ingenuity with practicality, the Moody team was able to address the project’s specific requirements in order to save the customer time and money on this challenging project.

AEC Tech | Oct 6, 2017

How professional bias can sabotage industry transformation

Professional bias can take the form of change-resistant thinking that can keep transformational or innovative ambitions at bay. Tech consultant Nate Miller presents three kinds of bias that often emerge when a professional is confronted with new technology.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021