Skip to Content

‘Sketching’ Electronics with Conductive Ink [Video]

Magnetic electronics and ferrous paper enable artistry in circuit design.
December 28, 2011

Leah Buechley is an assistant professor at the MIT Media Lab and the director of the aptly-named High-Low Tech research group. She does heaps of cool, subtle, under-appreciated stuff, and maybe some day when there’s a children’s toy, art class or hit product based on her work, she’ll be better known.

Until then, check out her latest video, above, which shows off a kit for “sketching” electronics. At about 1:20 you’ll see the culmination of the principles she makes apparent in the first part of the video; it’s worth the wait.

Here’s another example of her work in “paper computing.”

And here’s a collection of stunningly original using the LilyPad Arduino – everything from a sweater that uses a clever interface to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to a crocheted “soft robot”.

Finally, here she is giving a talk on her work.

Keep Reading

Most Popular

Large language models can do jaw-dropping things. But nobody knows exactly why.

And that's a problem. Figuring it out is one of the biggest scientific puzzles of our time and a crucial step towards controlling more powerful future models.

How scientists traced a mysterious covid case back to six toilets

When wastewater surveillance turns into a hunt for a single infected individual, the ethics get tricky.

The problem with plug-in hybrids? Their drivers.

Plug-in hybrids are often sold as a transition to EVs, but new data from Europe shows we’re still underestimating the emissions they produce.

It’s time to retire the term “user”

The proliferation of AI means we need a new word.

Stay connected

Illustration by Rose Wong

Get the latest updates from
MIT Technology Review

Discover special offers, top stories, upcoming events, and more.

Thank you for submitting your email!

Explore more newsletters

It looks like something went wrong.

We’re having trouble saving your preferences. Try refreshing this page and updating them one more time. If you continue to get this message, reach out to us at customer-service@technologyreview.com with a list of newsletters you’d like to receive.