Flexible Phones from Nokia
Futuristic Cell Phones could be Foldable and Self-Cleaning
The Morph concept, which was on display at The Museum of Modern Art in New York earlier this year, is based on the strength and elasticity principles behind spider silk. Working with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre in the UK, Nokia researchers are developing the device using the latest nanotechnology techniques, which involves manipulating materials at the nano-scale (a millionth of a millimetre). The team is creating new materials for electrical devices that will endow them with properties such as flexibility, transparency, water and dirt resistance.
'Over time we hope to build up a "material library" that will allow us to do a number of different things,' said James Waterworth, Communications Manager for Nokia, in an e-mail correspondence on March 31.
STRETCHABLE PHONE MESH
To create a flexible phone, scientists have woven Fibril proteins into a 3D mesh that can be bent, straightened, or even stretched, meaning it could be adapted according to the task at hand, as well as offering more applications with less space. Folded up, it could be used as a compact handset, while an unfolded design could incorporate a keyboard or touch pad.
Morph will also be structured to mimic the surface of flowers, which have a small contact area with water droplets, so the water cannot be absorbed. 'This causes the droplet to flow along the surface and remove other particles [such as dirt and even fingerprints]', explained Waterwroth. This would help create a durable, clean cell phone with reduced wear.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
There is also the possibility of creating a 'nanograss' to cover the device and harvest solar power through miniature cells, making the phone a natural source of energy. Nanotechnology being developed by researchers could also see the creation of microscopic batteries that can store a high density of energy, allowing the electronic item they power to be smaller. Such batteries would also be quicker to recharge, and able to last through more cycle changes.
Nokia is also looking into incorporating tiny environmental sensors into future phones. These would be able to analyze the weather, air pollution, as well as bio-chemical traces in the user's surroundings (perhaps being able to tell a person that the fruit he or she is about to eat still has chemical fertilizers on it, and should be washed first).
The company hopes to commercially release cell phones with these dirt-repelling characteristics in three years' time. It will also continue to worth with Cambridge Nanoscience to develop the more complex technologies, as well as investigate the use of biodegradable materials, which would make production and recycling of the phone more environmentally friendly.
Morph in traditional phone mode
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Morph in wrist mode
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