Experiments in 4D printing
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in collaboration with industry partners Stratasys and Autodesk, have used 3D printing technology to create objects that can self-assemble into new structures when desired. The process is called 4D printing because its designs involve not just the three physical dimensions but also planned changes over time. The research was led by Skylar Tibbits, director of the Self-Assembly Lab at MIT. Stratasys provided the 3D printer and materials, and Autodesk provided the software for self-assembly and folding design.