MIT Develops Modular System for Shape-Changing Smart Devices with Bifur-Circuits
- Published
- Source
- MITNews
MIT engineers have developed a new set of modular components, termed 'bifur-circuits,' that enable the creation of reconfigurable smart devices. These components maintain electrical connections regardless of the shape the device takes, allowing for innovative designs such as assistive furniture and adaptable robotic grippers.
The significance of this development lies in its potential to revolutionize the design of interactive devices that can sense their own configurations without external wiring. This modularity could lead to advancements in various applications, including smart furniture that aids in recovery and antennas that adjust their frequencies based on environmental changes.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to present their findings at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology. The implications of their work suggest a future where mechanical metamaterials can be utilized to embed intrinsic intelligence into hardware, expanding the possibilities for smart device design and functionality.
Original report
MIT engineers create a system for building shape-changing smart devices
MITNews · Adam Zewe | MIT NewsThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
Rights concerns? Contact [email protected] with the relevant URL and details. We will review the matter and take appropriate action where warranted.
More related news
- 1
-
2
RobotToday Weekly October 5 – 9, 2026 RobotToday · 22 hours ago
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
Related Suppliers
Biomimetic Robotics Lab, MIT
United States
MIT Mechanical Engineering lab led by Prof. Sangbae Kim that created the Cheetah 3 and backflipping Mini Cheetah quadrupeds and the MIT Humanoid.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.
United States
Vernon Hills, Illinois factory-automation subsidiary of Japan's Mitsubishi Electric; sells MELFA robots, MELSEC PLCs, and CNC systems in North America.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 三菱電機株式会社
Japan
Japanese multinational electronics and electrical equipment maker producing the MELFA series of industrial robots and comprehensive factory automation systems.
Beijing Jingpin Tezhuang Science and Technology Co., Ltd. 北京晶品特装科技股份有限公司
China
Beijing-listed (SSE: 688084) maker of electro-optical reconnaissance gear and military robots, including EOD and NBC-detection UGVs, since 2009.
BionIT Labs
Italy
Soleto, Italy maker, founded 2018, of Adam's Hand, a single-motor, fully adaptive myoelectric prosthetic hand now also offered for humanoid robots.
Automation & Modular Components, Inc. (AMC)
United States
Davisburg, Michigan modular-conveyor manufacturer founded 1988; part of Coesia's FlexLink group, building systems for over 25 industries.
SAS Automation
United States
US EOAT and gripper manufacturer for robotic cells; modular components for automotive, food, and palletizing; acquired by Piab in 2017.
ReviMo
United States
Smart robotic mobility device enabling individuals with limited mobility to transfer independently from bed to wheelchair without caregiver help.
lumen
Romania
Romanian startup building AI-powered smart glasses with LiDAR and haptic feedback to give blind and visually impaired users independent pedestrian navigation.
Panasonic Industry Europe GmbH
Germany
European arm of Panasonic Industry supplying welding robots, servo drives, PLCs, sensors, and HMI to industrial customers across Europe from Ottobrunn, Germany.
WEISS GmbH
Germany
German manufacturer of rotary indexing tables, linear transfer systems & automation platforms for automotive, life science, and electronics since 1967.
Human Mechanical Technologies
France
French startup manufacturing lightweight passive exoskeletons — Plum, Moon, Light, Wave — to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in industry.
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Join the RobotToday community on LinkedIn
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
