MIT's Tangible Media Group Introduces Transform

Introduction

The Tangible Media Group at MIT, under the leadership of Professor Hiroshi Ishii, has developed a cutting-edge piece of interactive technology called Transform. This shape-shifting table is made up of over 1,000 small motorized blocks, each controlled individually to respond to human gestures and movements. By integrating physical motion with digital information, MIT is pushing the boundaries of how we interact with everyday objects.

Video Source: YouTube.com/Hashem Al-Ghaili

Dynamic Interaction with 1,000 Motors

Transform is not just a static table—its blocks ripple and shift in response to nearby motion, creating dynamic waves that mimic natural phenomena. The table is equipped with sensors that detect movements, allowing it to respond by changing its surface shape. This unique capability gives it the potential to function as both a functional object and a piece of kinetic art​.

Showcased at Milan Design Week

First unveiled at Milan Design Week, Transform was part of Lexus’ “Amazing in Motion” theme. The table’s ability to mold itself into temporary shapes, such as bowls, or react to environmental factors, showcases its versatility. MIT’s Tangible Media Group envisions a future where furniture like chairs, tables, and couches could dynamically respond to human needs, moods, or commands​.

Video source: YouTube.com/Dezeen

Built on a Legacy of Innovation

Transform builds on previous projects like inFORM, another interactive surface developed by the same team. inFORM allowed for physical interaction with digital data, letting users manipulate objects or even remotely interact with participants. Transform takes this concept further, combining physical space with digital input to create a more immersive and tangible experience​.

Video source: YouTube.com/tangiblemedia

Towards a Future of Smart Furniture

The potential applications for this technology are vast. Beyond its functional uses, Transform could redefine home furnishings, allowing for smart furniture that not only adapts to user commands but also provides meditative, kinetic art displays. With Transform, MIT’s Tangible Media Group continues to explore the intersection of design, technology, and human interaction, transforming how we engage with the physical world​.