Nokia Morph

Definition of Nokia Morph

              The “ Nokia Morph” is a theoretical future device based on nanotechnology that might enable future communication devices. It is intended to demonstrate the flexibility of future mobile devices, in regards to their shape and form allowing the users to transform them according to their preference. It demonstrates the ultimate functionality that nanotechnology might be capable of delivering i.e. flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. It also features nanosensors that can interact with the environment to provide key information for anything from temperature changes to pollution.

               Nanotechnology enables materials and components that are flexible, stretchable, transparent and remarkably strong. Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that reinforces thin elastic structures. The nanoscale mesh of fibers controls the stretching when the device is folded. The surface of morph is super hydrophobic which makes it extremely dirt repellent. Nanoscale grass harvests solar energy which could be used for recharging batteries.

               Since the KAIST , developed a transparent resistive random access memory (TRRAM), the idea of morph technology seems to be growing. By integrating TRRAM device with other transparent electronic components, we can create a total see-through embedded electronic system which became the major platform for Nokia morph technology.

Introduction of Nokia Morph

 The mobile device works at the center of our everyday life, interconnecting local intelligence-temperature changes, air pollution, our heart rate-with needed information and services. Mobile devices together with the intelligence that will be embedded in human environments – home, office, public places – will create a new platform that enables ubiquitous sensing, computing, and communication. Core requirements for this kind of ubiquitous ambient intelligence are that the devices are autonomous and robust. They can be deployed easily, and they survive without explicit management or care.

  Mobility also implies limited size and restrictions on the power consumption. Intelligence, sensing, context awareness, and increased data rates require more memory and computing power, which together with the size limitations leads to severe challenges in thermal management. Nanotechnology could provide solutions for sensing, actuation, radio, embedding intelligence into the environment, power efficient computing, memory, energy sources, human–machine interaction, materials, mechanics, manufacturing, and environmental issues.

              Think morph is a snapshot of a new kind of mobility, made possible by a personal device that intelligently bridges local and global information. By sensing ambient elements, physical objects, and your individual context, the device adapts its form factor and functionality accordingly. It connects automatically to global services and communities, transmitting local data and returning context-relevant information in real time.

 The vision of Nokia Research Center is to become the global leader of open innovation for human mobility systems of the fused physical and digital world, giving birth to the growth of business for Nokia. In this paper we will give an overview of how nanotechnology can help to realize this vision, and in particular what is the impact for wireless communication technologies.

Sensing

 Nokia Morph can interact with the surrounding environment and is capable of providing key information for anything from temperature changes to pollution i.e. Morph can sense its surrounding. Nanosensors are used for this purpose and it empowers users to examine the environment around them in completely new ways, from analyzing air pollution, to gaining insight into bio-chemical traces and processes. New capabilities might be as complex as it may help us monitor evolving conditions in the quality of our surroundings, or as simple as knowing if the fruit we are about to enjoy should be washed before we eat it. Our ability to tune into our environment in these ways can help us make key decisions that guide our daily actions and ultimately can enhance our health . 

 Nanostructures can also enable robust chemical and biochemical sensing, especially in scenarios where nanoscale values are being measured. And since nanoscale is the scale of the fundamental processes of life, nanoscale chemical sensors can leverage principles and materials common to biological systems. Nanosensors construct a complete awareness of the user context–both personal and environmental enabling an appropriate and intelligent response.

 In order to improve sensor and signal processing characteristics Nokia introduced Nanowire Lithography (NWL) process that fabricates a large area and self aligned 3D architectures.

 As an initial step for sensing ability of Morph, Nokia Research Center supported by Nokia designers conceived the Nokia Eco Sensor Concept. This visionary design concept is a mobile phone along with a compatible sensing device that will help us to stay connected to our friends and loved ones, as well as helps us to monitor our health and local environment. We can also share the environmental data that our sensing device collected and view other users shared data, thereby increasing our global environmental awareness.

 The concept consists of two parts – a wearable sensor unit which can sense and analyze our environment, health, and local weather conditions, and a dedicated mobile phone. The sensor unit will be worn on a wrist or neck strap made from solar cells that provide power to the sensors. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology will relay information by touch from the sensors to the phone.