Self-Assembling Lamp with Printed Electronic Components

Researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University have demonstrated a proof-of-concept lamp that can be printed out, folds itself up, and includes a mechanical switch and a printed capacitive touch sensor. The switch is made out of shape-memory polymers - which fold when triggered by heat - and other materials. It can be repeatedly twisted to open or close printed electrical contacts. The sensor can be used to switch the lamp on and off, or to adjust the LED's brightness. The researchers say the working printed sensors will enable the next generation of printed electronics and robots.