Now while the topic of this post may not be a “gadget” as such, it is still a super cool idea that has been put into practice and as such, we couldn’t not share it with you. The d3o from IET Faraday is a specially engineered material that is soft and flexible one minute but binds together when it faces a strong impact to absorb shock.
It was initially designed to protect the sports-minded from injury. However, it is now also used as mobile phone covers and intelligent footballs with increased control and speed. And I thought “intelligent footballers” was an oxymoron.
d3o is originally based on thickening fluids which change from a liquid to a solid. Obviously, a fluid wouldn't provide much protection by itself, so it was engineered to become a 'smart material'. As an FYI, smart materials can change their properties (thickness, shape, colour) if they are exposed to things like heat, pressure or electrical currents.
If this is all starting to sound a bit scientific, just check out the video to see this substance in action. Yes, it includes practical usages such as protecting your knee cap from a shovel.
If that’s piqued your interest somewhat, a more detailed demonstration of d3o is below.
Source: the IET
One thought on “Sponsored: IET Faraday d3o Video: Become Invincible”
good effort – doesn’t seem all that well known – why not?