It took 40 years for technology to catch up to this zipper design
An old patent from MIT Professor Bill Freeman inspired the new “Y-zipper,” a three-sided fastener that snaps gear, robots, and art into shape at the push of a button.
With a swipe of a magnet, microscopic “magno-bots” perform complex maneuvers
MIT researchers’ new fabrication technique can produce soft, microscopic structures with magnetically activated moving parts.
Preview tool helps makers visualize 3D-printed objects
By quickly generating aesthetically accurate previews of fabricated objects, the VisiPrint system could make prototyping faster and less wasteful.
Stamping high-res imagery onto everyday items to “reprogram” their appearance
The portable “ChromoLCD” device combines LCD and LED lighting to customize high-quality designs onto things like shirts and whiteboards.
Recreating the forms and sounds of historical musical instruments
Through an interdisciplinary collaboration between MIT and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, researchers are creating playable physical and synthesized replicas.
Mixing generative AI with physics to create personal items that work in the real world
To help generative AI models create durable, real-world accessories and decor, the PhysiOpt system runs physics simulations and makes subtle tweaks to its 3D blueprints.
3D-printing platform rapidly produces complex electric machines
Overcoming challenges of 3D printing with multiple functional materials, MIT researchers fabricated an electric linear motor in hours.
Magnetic mixer improves 3D bioprinting
MagMix, an onboard mixing device, enables scalable manufacturing of 3D-printed tissues.
3D-printed metamaterials that stretch and fail by design
New framework supports design and fabrication of compliant materials such as printable textiles and functional foams, letting users predict deformation and material failure.
SMART launches new Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care research group
WITEC is working to develop the first wearable ultrasound imaging system to monitor chronic conditions in real-time, with the goal of enabling earlier detection and timely intervention.
Your future home might be framed with printed plastic
MIT engineers are using recycled plastic to 3D print construction-grade floor trusses.
A new way to “paint with light” to create radiant, color-changing items
“MorphoChrome,” developed at MIT, pairs software with a handheld device to make everyday objects iridescent.
Generative AI tool helps 3D print personal items that sustain daily use
“MechStyle” allows users to personalize 3D models, while ensuring they’re physically viable after fabrication, producing unique personal items and assistive technology.
One pull of a string is all it takes to deploy these complex structures
A new method could enable users to design portable medical devices, like a splint, that can be rapidly converted from flat panels to a 3D object without any tools.
Jennifer Lewis ScD ’91: “Can we make tissues that are made from you, for you?”
In the 2025 Dresselhaus Lecture, the materials scientist describes her work 3D printing soft materials ranging from robots to human tissues.