NEW YORK and ESPOO, Finland, February 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Morph, a joint nanotechnology concept, developed by Nokia Research Center
and the University of Cambridge (UK) - was launched today
alongside the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition, on view from
February 24 to May 12, 2008, at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New
York. Morph features in both the exhibition catalog and on MoMA's official
website.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. It demonstrates the ultimate
functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible
materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. Dr. Bob
Iannucci, Chief Technology Officer, Nokia, commented: "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, Nokia,
commented: "We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase
the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience. 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 inspirationalbut, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience
research that will stimulate our future work together."
The partnership between Nokia and the University of Cambridge 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.
Elements of Morph might be available to integrate into handheld devices
within 7 years, though initially only at the high-end. However,
nanotechnology may one day lead to low cost manufacturing solutions, and
offers the possibility of integrating complex functionality at a low price.
