How MIT’s fab labs scaled around the world
Now a global community of builders of all skill levels and backgrounds, the fab lab network grew from a single maker facility at MIT.
Turning a circle into a square is possible with this kirigami-inspired formula
A study inspired by the Japanese paper-cutting art provides a blueprint for designing shape-shifting materials and devices.
Team uses 3D printing to strengthen a key material in aerospace, energy-generation applications
The approach could improve the performance of many other materials as well.
Toward more flexible and rapid prototyping of electronic devices
FlexBoard is a flexible breadboard that enables rapid prototyping of objects with interactive sensors, actuators, and displays on curved and deformable surfaces.
John Hart named head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering
A leader in manufacturing science and technology, Hart SM ’02, PhD ’06 will become department head effective July 1.
Researchers 3D print a miniature vacuum pump
The device would be a key component of a portable mass spectrometer that could help monitor pollutants, perform medical diagnoses in remote areas, or test Martian soil.
Vaccine printer could help vaccines reach more people
The printer generates vaccine-filled microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature and applied to the skin.
Robotic hand can identify objects with just one grasp
The three-fingered robotic gripper can “feel” with great sensitivity along the full length of each finger – not just at the tips.
3D-printed revolving devices can sense how they are moving
A new system enables makers to incorporate sensors into gears and other rotational mechanisms with just one pass in a 3D printer.
STEAM power on the runway
Boston teen designers create fashion inspired by award-winning images from MIT laboratories.
Custom, 3D-printed heart replicas look and pump just like the real thing
The soft robotic models are patient-specific and could help clinicians zero in on the best implant for an individual.
Toward new, computationally designed cybersteels
With a grant from the Office of Naval Research, MIT researchers aim to design novel high-performance steels, with potential applications including printed aircraft components and ship hulls.
Manufacturing a cleaner future
Startups founded by mechanical engineers are at the forefront of developing solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Class opens the door to a new world of mechanical engineering
Students compete to design a compression-resistant nanoscale material — and win possibly the world’s smallest trophy.
Industrializing 3D printing
VulcanForms, founded by an MIT alumnus and professor, has created digital production systems to manufacture complex metal parts at scale.