MIT's VIK platform enables easy prototyping of structures

A new platform called VIK (Voxel Invention Kit) allows anyone to quickly build large, interactive structures without needing engineering skills. This system uses special building blocks known as voxels that are easy to assemble with just simple tools like a soldering iron and pliers. Traditionally, creating interactive devices, like a chair that monitors posture, is complicated and wasteful. Makers usually have to create multiple prototypes using methods like 3D printing. This often leads to a lot of wasted materials and time if the prototype doesn’t work. MIT researchers created VIK to make this process easier and more efficient. The voxels are lightweight and very strong. Each voxel costs about 50 cents, and they can be reconfigured into many different shapes and forms. The VIK platform also includes a design tool that helps users simulate how their structures will respond to stress and loads, allowing for easy adjustments. Jack Forman, a graduate student involved in the project, emphasizes that VIK makes it possible to create functional devices without complex manufacturing techniques. By using voxels, users can build sturdy devices that integrate electronics deeply into their structures instead of just attaching them on the surface. The researchers focused on making the voxels user-friendly. They ensured that the design allowed easy assembly without any additional tools. The unique design of the voxel faces guarantees that users connect them correctly, making the wiring process simpler and reducing the chance of mistakes. The platform includes a simulation interface similar to video games, making it accessible for people without strong engineering backgrounds. Users can visualize and adjust their designs easily, enhancing safety and creativity in building projects. VIK also supports the integration of various electronic components, such as speakers and sensors, making it adaptable for different uses. The possibility of recycling the aluminum voxels adds sustainable benefits to the platform. VIK has potential applications in diverse fields, including theater set design, space fabrication, and smart city infrastructure. The team behind VIK is eager to see how users will innovate with this new technology and what creative projects will emerge.