Earlier this year MIT researcher Skylar Tibbits made news when he unveiled his 4D printing technique. The technique uses a 3D printer to create objects whose materials can be programmed to assemble into new structures. It’s now gaining a wide audience, particularly in military circles.
The US Army has awarded an $855,000 grant to develop 4D printing technology with the aim of creating a material that can alter the structure of a fabric, essentially creating adaptive camouflaged uniforms.
To help develop this technology more rapidly the Army has awarded its grant to a trio of research groups at the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard, and the University of Illinois.
Read more at ENGINEERING.com