I chose a topic which is still in research and development stage. This  means that there was very little comprehensive findings that I could compile and present in the blog. Nevertheless my topic captured my attention and imagination. The topic became a mix of Smart objects and 4D printing over the course of this individual blog assignment. With the process of learning about smart objects and 4D printing, I was able to hone my skills as a researcher. After learning much about the possibilities of 4D printing with smart polymers and M-blocks, I became slightly pessimistic about the practicality and the application of technology such as this. Mainly because it seemed to like something that would not be achieved during my life time, at least not in the way I envision it, and that made me a little sad. I asked Arthur Young-Spivey (from our last field trip) whether any of his customers ever asked to have 4D printed prototypes made for them, and he said no. The fact that he was aware of 4D printing was not that surprising, but it restored my hope in that, the 3D printing community seems to be very aware of this new development. So 4D printed products may never by mass manufactured in y life time, but they are definitely going to be improved and utilized.

Despite my pessimism the subject matter is really fascinating and shows a great deal of promise. Allot of people are hyped up about it, and many more will join the 4D revolution once the pioneers prove to people what its worth. Some of the applications that I came across, were a little far fetched, but maybe that’s because I am not an engineer and a techie, that I am limited In my understanding of the possibilities out there, so I just choose to have faith that someday, it can become an awesome reality.

There are many ways in which smart objects M-blocks and 3D printed smart objects will and can change the world…for better or for worse. The M-Blocks that I discussed in some of my blog entries bring to the world the possibility of having self assembling materials. Imagine a sand like smart object assembling into a life boat, an infinitely tall fire ladder for those high rise buildings, or a temporary shelter, or a bridge. Some people want to use it in the military setting by adding self assembling robots to the battle field rather than people, I’m hoping this never happens actually. The smart self healing polymers that I also talked about can be used to heal people with skin conditions or burn injuries. And 4D printing (per-programmed material that changes shape by responding to liquids.) will just make our life so much more energy efficient.