What is Claytronics? by Christian Hunter

1. What is Claytronics?
by Christian Hunter

2. A remarkable feat of science, claytronics is
considered groundbreaking, “sci-fi-esque”
technology. Developed by researchers at Carnegie
Mellon University and Intel Research Labs
Pittsburgh, claytronics enables objects to transform
into completely different items. This method
operates through claytronic atoms, or “catoms,” that
function as a computerized network and define
themselves based on what the whole object is
supposed to do or be. Millions of catoms working
together can morph into vastly different items.
Examples include a wall "growing" a door or a chair
transforming into a couch.
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3. If proven successful, claytronics could influence
many aspects of life. “Smart clothing” could detect
danger and protect wearers from guns and knives
while remaining lightweight. The military could use it
to produce better uniforms for soldiers as well as
more effective weapons and reconnaissance gear.
Programmable skin could vastly alter the
appearance of an individual. While these more
advanced applications are still years away,
scientists expect to introduce first stage claytronics
—for example, a bracelet/phone/computer device—
by 2020.
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4. About the Author:
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Responsible for numerous start-ups,
Christian Hunter has performed as a leader in
numerous industries. Fascinated by many
subjects, Hunter has an ongoing interest in
claytronics.