Making big objects with electronics, like a chair that checks how you sit, usually takes a lot of work. People often 3D print or laser cut many versions, wasting materials. They build the frame, add sensors, and connect wires. If it breaks, they throw it away and start over. MIT researchers found a simpler way. They made a system called VIK, short for Voxel Invention Kit, using reusable building blocks with electronics inside. These blocks, called voxels, form the structure itself.

Voxels are light, strong pieces shaped like a lattice – a framework with crisscross patterns. Each costs about 50 cents and can hold heavy weight. People snap them together to make working devices fast. No 3D printing or special tools are needed. If something goes wrong, they take it apart and try again.

Functional Building Blocks

The idea grew from years of work at MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms. Researchers built voxels from aluminum, strong enough for big things like airplane parts. They added electronics so voxels can send power and data without wires. VIK makes this easy for anyone, even without engineering skills. The team made voxels bigger for hand assembly and added braces for extra strength. A snap-fit design lets users connect them quickly and correctly every time.

A simple computer tool helps design these structures. It shows how the object handles weight and spots weak spots with colors. Users can tweak their ideas fast. They can also add common parts like speakers or motors. Everything stays flexible and recyclable.

VIK is an accessible prototyping platform that skips complicated steps and waste, mixing building blocks and electronics like a toy and tool in one. It could help make stage sets, space gear, or smart buildings. In an MIT press release the VIK developers, led by Neil Gershenfeld, compare VIK to Minecraft. They say it opens design to everyone, and is also fun and simple. They’ll present VIK at the Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.

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