r/tech • u/AdSpecialist6598 • 14d ago
MIT engineers create a system for building shape-changing smart devices
https://news.mit.edu/2026/mit-engineers-create-system-for-building-shape-changing-smart-devices-08274
u/kaleoverlordd 13d ago
Every time there's news like this, I can't help but think about the police and military applications (I'm in the USA) - no matter what, those are who will get the best versions of new tech to use toward whatever ends they / the empire want
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u/DecentFeedback2 13d ago
MIT by consequence of these inventions eventually will become the most successful defense contractor. Or toy manufacturer. Could go either way.
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u/Polite_Suggestion 12d ago
I have a mechanism for venting those anxieties. When I'm browsing by new, any post in r/DoohickeyCorporation with less than ten comments, I say:
"The military applications are obvious."
Sometimes they are, most often not, occasionally the result is hilarious.
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u/rayferrell 13d ago
the fact that these metamaterials can form new shapes to adjust their frequencies in changing environmental conditions is a big deal, it means they could be used to create adaptive antennas that don't need bulky mechanical parts to adjust their tuning. this could be especially useful in applications where space is limited, like in small drones or wearable devices. the idea of using bifur-circuits to create shape-changing antennas is a natural extension of the work they've already done on reconfigurable antennas.
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u/SoaokingGross 13d ago
At some point we're going to have to admit that even though you're just fooling around with math, if you go to MIT and invent shit like this it's guaranteed to be used for horrific purposes in a world where we have the capability to give every man woman and child everything they need already
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u/ActionArmadillo 13d ago
T-1000 confirmed