Nokia Unveils Nanotechnology Concept Phone - MORPH

• Posted: Friday, February 29, 2008
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• Author: pradhana
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• Filed under: Handset, Nokia

Nokia and the University of Cambridge jointly unveiled Morph, a nanotechnology concept phone that promises to demonstrate how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, enabling the user to transform handsets into radically different shapes.

Developed by the device giant's Nokia Research Center unit in association with Cambridge engineers, Morph was launched in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art's current "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition, and purports to illustrate the ultimate functionality inherent in nanotechnology, typified by flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.

According to Nokia, elements of the Morph initiative are still a good seven years away from integration into handheld devices, although it believes nanotechnology may one day lead to reduced manufacturing costs.

"We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience," said Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, head of the Nokia Research Center's Cambridge laboratory, in a prepared statement. "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."

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.

Morph concept technologies might create fantastic opportunities for mobile devices:

• Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live
• Devices become self-cleaning and self-preserving
• Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension
• Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge
• Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choices

In addition to the advances above, the integrated electronics shown in the Morph concept could cost less and include more functionality in a much smaller space, even as interfaces are simplified and usability is enhanced. All of these new capabilities will unleash new applications and services that will allow us to communicate and interact in unprecedented ways. /PR

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