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MIT develops self-transforming materials that behave 'like robots without robots'

A cross-disciplinary research lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed a suite of programmable materials, including carbon fiber, printed wood grain, textile composites, rubbers and plastics, that self-transform when exposed to an external stimulus. Director of the Self-Assembly Lab, Skylar Tibbits, presented a TED talk on 4D printing in 2013, where he demonstrated how a flat sheet of material could effectively build itself when exposed to water, like a robot without a robot. Following positive feedback from industries including aviation, automotive and manufacturing, his lab has been working on developing materials that change according to different activation sources, including heat, light, and air pressure, in addition to water – all of which have automotive relevance.

Buick to launch IntelliLink on 2012 models

Buick is launching a connectivity feature on its 2012 models as the brand looks to attract younger and tech-savvy customers--and to shed its sometime stodgy image. Called IntelliLink, the connectivity technology arrives as standard equipment on the 2012 Verano sedan, before being added to the Regal and the LaCrosse. The Enclave SUV gets it in 2013.

Autoweek in review: Geneva previews, IndyCar troubles and Ram goes diesel

On Monday we talked about the 2014 Corvette Stingray and its place in Corvette history. We also checked out a used Porsche race car on Bring a Trailer and looked at which Formula One teams are not at risk of collapsing. We awoke on Tuesday to see video of a helicopter crashing during filming of “Top Gear Korea.” We looked at the interior of the McLaren P1 and saw some shots of the Alfa Romeo 4C before its reveal at the Geneva motor show.