The Nokia (News - Alert) Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge have launched "Morph," a joint nanotechnology concept.


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, explained both the organizations’ officials.

According to officials, it demonstrates the “ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.”

Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end, according to officials.

However, both the organizations believe that nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.

Dr. Bob Iannucci, CTO at Nokia, commented in a statement announcing the launch: “Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible.”

Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory at Nokia, hopes that this combination of “art and science” will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience.

He also said that the research “we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials.”

Professor Mark Welland, head of the department of engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration added: “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.”

In March 2007, Nokia and the University of Cambridge partnered to work together on an extensive and long term program of joint research projects.

NRC has established a research facility at the University's West Cambridge site and is collaborating with several departments -- initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department -- on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.

---------

Anshu Shrivastava is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

For all the latest enterprise IP communications, unified communications, and contact center news, please click here.

Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users.

Today’s featured White Paper (News - Alert) is titled Security Considerations for an IP PBX and Contact Center, brought to you by Interactive Intelligence (News - Alert).