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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.

Smart Fourjoy concept revealed ahead of Frankfurt motor show

Smart will preview its upcoming second-generation Forfour at next week's Frankfurt motor show when it shows the Fourjoy, the latest concept from the Mercedes-Benz owned city car brand. Pictured here for the first time, the new four-seater follows the earlier Forus and Forstars concepts, providing clues to next year's Forfour, developed with Renault. The French automaker will offer its own version of the new car as a replacement for the Twingo.

Opel to revive Monza line with Frankfurt-bound concept

Opel will unveil a new concept aimed at reviving the Monza line at September's Frankfurt motor show, according to reports emerging from Germany. The concept is believed to be a large coupé showcasing the brand's latest in lightweight materials and in-car technologies. Details are scarce, but it is allegedly based on a shortened Cadillac ATS platform with a rear-wheel drive layout and will include a range of four- and six-cylinder engines with displacements between between 2.0 and 3.6-liters.