t e c h i e - t a l k s ::: technology at its best

Nokia, together with the University of Cambridge, have came out with a concept phone which is radically flexible and able to morph or change itself — by using advance nanotechnology. The Morph concept is touted to revolutionize the future of phones and mobile devices where these devices need not have the conventional brick or clamshell characteristics but a futuristic flexible mobile device that can change shapes according to how you shape it to be. The Morph concept devices somehow reminds me of those communication devices the sci-fi movies use.

Design

With nanotechnology, Nokia believes that the future of mobile devices will be transparent and flexible. Hence, it can be molded to various positions/shapes to represent different functions of the phones. Electronics that interconnect circuits in the mobile devices will also be flexible. This will bring embedded systems in mobile devices to another level too.

Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that reinforces thin elastic structures. Using the same principle behind spider silk, this elasticity enables the device to literally change shapes and configure itself to adapt to the task at hand.

The Morph concept is a futuristic concept that sets the industry standards to what futuristic mobile devices should look and function.

Self-cleaning mobile devices

The nano-materials that makes up the mobile devices will be able to repel dirt, protect the surface against fingerprint marks and naturally repel water, making these devices waterproof.

Nanotechnology also can be leveraged to create self-cleaning surfaces on mobile devices, ultimately reducing corrosion, wear and improving longevity.

Advance Power Sources

Nanotechnology holds out the possibility that the surface of a device will become a natural source of energy via a covering of “Nanograss” structures that harvest solar power. At the same time new high energy density storage materials allow batteries to become smaller and thinner, while also quicker to recharge and able to endure more charging cycles.

On-board sensors

The Morph concept integrates different kinds of sensors on-board the mobile devices which allows these futuristic devices to sense the environment such as air quality, bio-chemical traces of an object and probably temperature and humidity. In summary, the environment sensors are used to “monitor evolving conditions in the quality of our surroundings, or as simple as knowing if the fruit we are about to enjoy should be washed before we eat it.”

In summary,

Morph concept technologies might create fantastic opportunities for mobile devices:

• Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live
• Devices become self-cleaning and self-preserving
• Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension
• Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge
• Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choices

Nokia adds that this technology will be available in the 7 years. Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, commented: “We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience. The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.”

Here’s a video showcasing the Morph concept.