A new type of material called a mechanical neural network can learn and change its physical properties to create adaptable, strong structures

This connection of springs is a new type of material that can change shape and learn new properties. A new type of material can learn and improve its ability to deal with unexpected forces thanks to a unique lattice structure with connections of variable stiffness, as described in a new paper by my colleagues and me. Architected materials – like this 3D lattice – get their properties not from what they are made out of, but from their structure. The new material is a type of architected material, which gets its properties mainly from the geometry and specific traits of its design rather than what it is made out of. Take hook-and-loop fabric closures like Velcro, for example.