The University of Cambridge has collaborated with Finnish mobile handset giant, Nokia, to develop the concept for a new stretchable and flexible mobile phone developed.
Morph, the joint nanotechnology concept, was launched at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes.
According to the University, the concept demonstrates “the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.”
Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering’s Nanoscience Group at the University said: “Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together.”
Dr Tapani Ryhanen, head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, added: “We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience.
“The techniques we are developing might one day mean new possibilities in terms of the design and function of mobile devices.
“The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.”
The partnership was announced in March, 2007 – an agreement to work together on an extensive and long term programme of joint research projects. NRC has established a research facility at the University’s West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.
The Nanoscience Centre provides open access to over 300 researchers from a variety of University departments.
http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/2008022931521/high-tech/nokia-and-university-stretch-into-mobile-phones-arena.html
