從 1970 年後期開始，3D 列印已逐漸發展成複雜的應用。TED 研究員 Skylar Tibbits 正逐步發展一項他稱為 4D 列印的技術，而這個第四維就是時間。這項嶄露頭角的技術，讓人們列印出可因時間變化而自行塑型和組裝的物體。讓我們想像有個列印出來的物體在眼前自行摺疊成立方體， 或是一根列印出來的水管，可測知到不同的需求而擴張或收縮。

Skylar Tibbits: "4D 列印" 的出現

Programming materials to shape and build themselves is moving from nano labs to real-world construction. A single strand printed with multiple materials can fold into the letters MIT when dropped in water, all on its own. This approach could solve stubborn problems in infrastructure, like pipes that adapt to changing flow needs without manual labor. By merging lessons from molecular self-assembly and human-scale design, entire industries could be reimagined.

Self-Assembling Materials Are Transforming Manufacturing and Design

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