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The hallmark of the digital age is the interaction of humans and machines, even to the point of merging the two. One important field here is materials research. Intelligent materials go into the interfaces for human-machine interaction.
Along with visionary researchers, some of whom toil for decades undaunted, nature provides an almost endless source of examples and inspiration for new materials – rather than simply being exploited for raw materials. Scientists and designers, nano-researchers and technology devotees are united by the drive to think ahead, coupled with the courage to break through familiar boundaries.
Already, such traditional crafts as instrument making are experimenting with plastics from the 3D printer; bionic prostheses are turning science fiction into reality; the proto-cell seems to transcend the boundary between living and non-living, and raspberry puree forms a wonderful bond with sunlight and allows electricity to flow.
New materials are overcoming the limits of nature and technology and opening up new ways for people to interact with one another and their environment. In this rapid development, we are only at the beginning.
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