Nokia taps nanotech for next-gen handsets

Nokia has offered first glimpses of the research it is doing in collaboration with the University of Cambridge when it unveiled a shape-changing mobile device concept based on nanotechnology.

Dubbed "Morph," the joint nanotechnology concept was designed to demonstrate the possible future benefits of nanotechnology for mobile devices. Morph is both stretchable and flexible, but Nokia suggests nanotechnology could also allow future cellphones to include self-cleaning surfaces and see-through electronics. The early stage prototype is being shown as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York that opened this weekend and lasts until mid-May.

The collaboration between Nokia and the University of Cambridge was first revealed in March 2007. The deal was to work together on an extensive and long term program of joint research projects.

As part of the project, Nokia Research Centre has established a research facility at the University's West Cambridge site and collaborated with several departments—initially the Nanoscience Center and Electrical Division of the Engineering Department—on projects that centered on nanotechnology.

Mark Welland, head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration said, "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."

Nokia said that elements of Morph might be integrated into handheld devices within seven years, though initially only at the high end. In the future however, the Finnish firm sees nanotechnology as one day leading to low cost manufacturing and the potential for integrating complex functionality at a low price.

Although very little is being said for now about the Morph's technical capabilities, pictures show how, in theory, the handset would be able to alter its state between a watch-like mode, a credit-card shape and a traditional mobile phone. No dimensions are given, but the Morph appears to be extremely thin irrespective of the state or shape it takes.

- John Walko
EE Times Europe