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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.

Cadillac goes Skynet with Super Cruise system

Cadillac is road-testing a Super Cruise system that is capable of automatic steering, braking and lane centering during highway cruising. The first version of the system will be found on the ATS and XTS sedans. “Super Cruise has the potential to improve driver performance and enjoyment,” said Don Butler, vice president of Cadillac marketing.

Video: MotoGP rider Dovizioso discusses the perfect lap at 1,000 frames per second

If you’re an enthusiast of two-wheeled machinery, this video of Italian motorcycle racer Andrea Dovizioso discussing the perfect lap is sure to get your blood moving. Dovizioso races for the Honda Repsol Team in the MotoGP series, and here he gives us a 1,000-frames-per-second look at all of the knee-dragging, tire-slipping action in super-slow motion. Currently, Dovizioso is third in the MotoGP standings, behind Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo and Australia’s Casey Stoner.