Evolutionary structures
Innovative design makes us look again at everyday objects, so when an everyday object thinks for itself, we really notice. London-based designer, Assa Ashuach, has designed a lamp with artificial intelligence, the AI Light. The moving parts were created by Dr Sia Mahdavi of Complex Matters, a spin-off from University College London, to randomly vary the shape of the lampshade producing different intensities of light at different times of the day.

With his background in evolutionary robotics, Dr Mahdavi can create materials with internal properties not achievable in standard manufacturing. ‘The raw material itself isn't new,’ says Mahdavi, ‘I can start with a nylon plastic, but then I can make that plastic stiffer than it would be if it were manufactured in any other way. I can make some plastics very flexible and lighter by tailoring the internal properties.’

Complex behaviour
Ashuach’s AI Light works ‘using artificial intelligence,’ explains Mahdavi. ‘The aim was to create a light capable of controlling its body-shape according to the environment. If the light is placed in a noisy room with lots of people moving around, it would behave differently than if it were placed in a library. If people are constantly moving past, it can relax and shut down and only react when something new happens.’

The AI Light sensors record changes in the lighting conditions, noise levels, and movement in the environment. The light’s movements are controlled by two rotation motors that twist the light, and two linear actuators for the push and pull actions.

Unique approach
The complexity of designing new internal structures has led to the creation of unique software to determine the exact modifications needed. Dr Mahdavi explains, ‘we change the internal structure so it is exact to what is needed. Also, we can vary the properties throughout the structure of the part. So it is possible to have one area that is very flexible while the material can be much stiffer in another area. With the AI Light we used high-tech artificial intelligence that is normally used in things like aerospace or advanced robotics.’

Complex Matters' approach is attractive to Formula One car design, aviation, aerospace engineering and orthopaedic implants, or any industry with a need for lighter, flexible, robust materials. ‘What excites me,’ enthuses Mahdavi, ‘is the challenge of making better products, doing things that other people can't do.’