Cambridge, Nokia introduce new stretchable and flexible mobile phone concept

February 25, 2008

Morph Wrist Mode

The concept for a new stretchable and flexible mobile phone developed by the University of Cambridge and the Nokia Research Center (NRC) was unveiled today.

Morph, the joint nanotechnology concept, launches today alongside the new Design and the Elastic Mind exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City in which it is profiled. The exhibition will be on view from 24 February to 12 May 2008.

Morph Phone Mode

Morph is a concept that demonstrates how future mobile devices might be stretchable and flexible, allowing the user to transform their mobile device into radically different shapes. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering: flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces.

Professor Mark Welland, Head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration, commented: "Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together."

Dr. Tapani Ryhanen, Head of the NRC Cambridge UK laboratory, Nokia, added: "We hope that this combination of art and science will showcase the potential of nanoscience to a wider audience. The techniques we are developing might one day mean new possibilities in terms of the design and function of mobile devices. The research we are carrying out is fundamental to this as we seek a safe and controlled way to develop and use new materials."

The partnership between the University of Cambridge and Nokia was announced in March, 2007 - an agreement to work together on an extensive and long term programme of joint research projects.

NRC has established a research facility at the University's West Cambridge site and collaborates with several departments initially the Department's Nanoscience Center and the Electrical Division of the Engineering Department on projects that, to begin with, are centered on nanotechnology.

A video on this new technology is available to watch the Nokia website: http://www.nokia.com/A4879144

Source: University of Cambridge