Intel's Vision of Programmable Matter

News
By Ryan Lord
published

A new video report by CNN reveals a very interesting concept being explored by researchers at Intel known as "programmable matter". 

Currently the technology of programmable matter is in the conceptual phase, but Intel's V.P. and Director of Research Andrew A. Chien has high expectations for the progression of the technology.

The CNN video features 3D representations on how manipulating scale models of actual objects could be utilized, and then continues into concepts surrounding the real-time manipulation of actual consumer products such as bluetooth headsets.  Chien specifically comments on how nice it would be to conform a bluetooth headset to a proper fit when a pair of glasses were worn.

So what are the odds of such an odd technology becoming reality?  Well, according to Chien "we are definitely on the edge of discovery with this one."  Interesting to say the least!

You can catch the video over at Youtube by clicking here.

Ryan Lord
17 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Blessedman
    Are we not already approaching the manipulation of atoms? I mean the pathways in current CPU's are approaching lining up atoms?
    Reply
  • SamanuelMC
    Seen the papers on this stuff on Intel's site about a year or so ago. Really cool stuff, if they could make this work. S@#! is gonna get nuts
    Reply
  • RiotSniperX
    Intel is trying to take over the earth >.<

    Its a cool idea, defenitly badass. Man soon, we'll be visiting ppl back in time, and crazy stuff like that. And its all gonna be run by a intel cpu -.- /joke
    Reply
  • cryogenic
    BlessedmanAre we not already approaching the manipulation of atoms? I mean the pathways in current CPU's are approaching lining up atoms?
    The gate oxide transistors on Intel's .45 nm process is just five atoms wide. You can easily google that.
    Reply
  • sacre
    bah, this is basically Quantum computing, we've already made 7 atoms capable of calculating simple mathematics. A University team already programmed 32 bits on 1 electron.

    Quantum computer is the future, CPU's would be so small they would need an outside "box" to make them able to be handled. Apparently the "FBI/CIA" etc are very interested/worried about Quantum computer, According to scientists, all it takes it 27,000 atoms to break ALL codes in the world. some bs like dat
    Reply
  • zodiacfml
    just not possible even in a decade. i rather see developments in laser 3d printing.
    Reply
  • lamorpa
    Please don't reprint information from CNN (or Discover for that matter). It does not help even the least scientific of your readers to see a piece about, "Intel is doing something or other with atoms or something and possibly shape-shifting or something, someday..."
    Reply
  • aracheb
    as cool as it sound i don't like the idea of changing the information of the matter..

    is easy to input some information to a piece of rock..
    telling half of it atom will alling as in the same way of TNT and half will be an ignition switch..
    Reply
  • jonpaul37
    Does that mean i could program myself to look like Hillary Duff? Giggidy!
    Reply
  • sacre
    naw naw yall got the wrong idea, making an Atom into a gate is about all they're doing. It won't change the form or the way the atom acts, completely, If they do it on a Hydrogen atom, it will still be a hydrogen atom. Turning atoms into gates is a tough process that requires temperatures well below -100 celcius. Soon this will change, but I assure you they cannot grab a stick of TNT and program half of it to be a detonator, doesn't work that way
    Reply