Building reuse into the materials around us
At MIT, metallurgist Diran Apelian ScD ’73 urges engineers and researchers to rethink design, recycling, and the life cycle of modern materials.
“Robot, make me a chair”
An AI-driven system lets users design and build simple, multicomponent objects by describing them with words.
Resurrecting an MIT “learning by doing” tradition: NEET scholars install solar-powered charging station
The project was designed and built with novel “bio-composite” materials developed by the student team.
MIT researchers “speak objects into existence” using AI and robotics
The speech-to-reality system combines 3D generative AI and robotic assembly to create objects on demand.
MIT researchers demonstrate ship hull modifications to cut fuel use
Wedge-shaped vortex generators reduce drag in ship hulls, which could advance decarbonization for the shipping industry.
How a building creates and defines a region
A new MIT course explores how built environments can both emerge from and reveal the internal dynamics of their geographic context.
New AI agent learns to use CAD to create 3D objects from sketches
The virtual VideoCAD tool could boost designers’ productivity and help train engineers learning computer-aided design.
Lightning-prediction tool could help protect the planes of the future
The new approach maps aircraft sections most vulnerable to lightning, including on planes with experimental designs.
Charts can be social artifacts that communicate more than just data
Researchers find that design elements of data visualizations influence viewers’ assumptions about the source of the information and its trustworthiness.
New software designs eco-friendly clothing that can reassemble into new items
To reduce waste, the Refashion program helps users create outlines for adaptable clothing, such as pants that can be reconfigured into a dress. Each component of these pieces can be replaced, rearranged, or restyled.
A beacon of light
A lantern created in the Design Intelligence Lab creates sustainable alternatives for consumer electronics.
How MIT’s Steel Research Group led to a groundbreaking national materials initiative
Founder Gregory B. Olson reflects on past and continuing high-impact work as the group turns 40.
MIT launches Day of Design to bring hands-on learning to classrooms
Building on Day of AI and Day of Climate, MIT shares free design resources to spark creativity and problem-solving in classrooms.
MIT software tool turns everyday objects into animated, eye-catching displays
The FabObscura system helps users design and print barrier-grid animations without electronics, and can help produce dynamic household, workplace, and artistic objects.
AI and machine learning for engineering design
Popular mechanical engineering course applies machine learning and AI theory to real-world engineering design.