MIT Is Making Robots With Shock-Absorbing Skin

MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) is putting together the 3D printing and materials technology. The development of a new method for making soft materials with user-specified properties could soon be used to improve the durability of many materials. The researchers call it a printable "programmable viscoelastic material" and the technique allows the user to adjust every part of a 3D printed material to the exact level of stiffness and elasticity they want, depending on the intended use. The customization of the material's properties is achieved by using a combination of materials, solid, liquid and viscoelastic. The process deposits droplets of alternating materials depending on how rigid or elastic its application will require.