nokia morph concept

Launched alongside The Museum of Modern Art “Design and The Elastic Mind” exhibition, the Morph concept device is a bridge between highly advanced technologies and their potential benefits to end-users. This device concept showcases some revolutionary leaps being explored by Nokia Research Center (NRC) in collaboration with the Cambridge Nanoscience Centre (United Kingdom) – nanoscale technologies that will potentially create a world of radically different devices that open up an entirely new spectrum of possibilities.

Morph concept technologies might create fantastic opportunities for mobile devices:

·   Newly-enabled flexible and transparent materials blend more seamlessly with the way we live

·   Devices become self-cleaning and self-preserving

·   Transparent electronics offering an entirely new aesthetic dimension

·   Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge

·   Integrated sensors might allow us to learn more about the environment around us, empowering us to make better choices

In addition to the advances above, the integrated electronics shown in the Morph concept could cost less and include more functionality in a much smaller space, even as interfaces are simplified and usability is enhanced. All of these new capabilities will unleash new applications and services that will allow us to communicate and interact in unprecedented ways.

Flexible & Changing Design

Nanotechnology enables materials and components that are flexible, stretchable, transparent and remarkably strong. Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that reinforces thin elastic structures. Using the same principle behind spider silk, this elasticity enables the device to literally change shapes and configure itself to adapt to the task at hand.

A folded design would fit easily in a pocket and could lend itself ergonomically to being used as a traditional handset. An unfolded larger design could display more detailed information, and incorporate input devices such as keyboards and touch pads.

Even integrated electronics, from interconnects to sensors, could share these flexible properties. Further, utilization of biodegradable materials might make production and recycling of devices easier and ecologically friendly.

Self-Cleaning

Nanotechnology also can be leveraged to create self-cleaning surfaces on mobile devices, ultimately reducing corrosion, wear and improving longevity. Nanostructured surfaces, such as “Nanoflowers” naturally repel water, dirt, and even fingerprints utilizing effects also seen in natural systems.

Advanced Power Sources

Nanotechnology holds out the possibility that the surface of a device will become a natural source of energy via a covering of “Nanograss” structures that harvest solar power. At the same time new high energy density storage materials allow batteries to become smaller and thinner, while also quicker to recharge and able to endure more charging cycles.

Sensing The Environment

Nanosensors would empower users to examine the environment around them in completely new ways, from analyzing air pollution, to gaining insight into bio-chemical traces and processes. New capabilities might be as complex as helping us monitor evolving conditions in the quality of our surroundings, or as simple as knowing if the fruit we are about to enjoy should be washed before we eat it. Our ability to tune into our environment in these ways can help us make key decisions that guide our daily actions and ultimately can enhance our health.

Nokia believes that effective research and development is vital to remaining competitive in the mobile computing and communications industry. As of April 1, 2007, we had R&D centers in 11 countries and employed 14,500 people in research and development, representing approximately 32% of Nokia’s total workforce. R&D expenses totaled EUR 3,9 billion in 2006, representing 9,5% of Nokia’s net sales. We invest a substantial portion of our resources in research and development activities within our principal business groups Mobile Phones, Multimedia and Enterprise Solutions, Technology Platforms , and in the Nokia Research Center (NRC).

Nokia Research Center has a unique mission to lead Nokia into the future: NRC will be the global leader of open innovation for human mobility systems of the fused physical and digital world, giving birth to the growth of businesses for Nokia.

Nokia Research Center was founded in 1986 from the Nokia Electronics R&D unit, with the a headcount of 86 persons. Today, NRC employs roughly 800 researchers from 43 countires and a wide variety of fields. Representing just over 4% of Nokia’s R&D employees, NRC researchers produce about one half of Nokia’s essential patents, and 34% of all Nokia invention reports (2006).

NRC has a two-fold approach to achieving its mandate. The work for core technology breakthroughs supporting Nokia's existing businesses takes place in the Core Technology Centers, the CTC's. More visionary, exploratory systems research that goes well beyond any current business model is conducted at the many System Research Centers, the SRC's.

The telecommunications industry is rapidly transforming into an internet-led multimedia, IT and communications industry where unconventional competencies are a must. NRC strives for open innovation with academia, industry collaborators and independent developers. Some of our largest collaboration projects take place with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge/MA, Stanford University in Palo Alto/CA, the University of Cambride in the Unitged Kingdeom, and Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Careers

Global network of knowledge

Nokia invests strongly in research and development. Approximately 32% of our personnel works in R&D. Carrying out world-class research requires global networking. Nokia's R&D centers are located adjacent to leading technical universities in 11 countries.

The demanding research environment at Nokia has brought world-leading experts and newcomers to work together in international teams. In our global work environment people have very diverse backgrounds, e.g. 43 nationalities work in Nokia Research Center.

Further studies encouraged A high level of education and continuous learning are prerequisites for complex and demanding research work. In Nokia, further studies are actively encouraged and rewarded. In Nokia Research Center, 23% holds a Ph.D. degree, 6% licenciate and 63,5% Master’s degree. Many internal processes such as job rotation within Nokia, promote personal development and the transfer of competencies. Our research personnel can also choose between scientific or managerial career paths.

If you are an accomplished professional interested in a career within Nokia, please see our Careers pages for open positions. You can also leave an open application.

Research at Nokia Nokia's continuous high investment in R&D is one of our key success factors. As of December 31, 2008, we had strong R&D presence in 16 countries and employed 39 350 people in research and development, representing approximately 31% of Nokia's total workforce. R&D expenses totaled EUR 5 968 million in 2008, representing 11.8% of Nokia's net sales in 2008, up from 11% of net sales in 2007.

Short and medium term. Nokia researchers support the product development units to master key technologies and their evolution. This enables us to develop competitive products efficiently.  Long-term. Research aims to disrupt the present. Research in different sciences with global participation is a prerequisite for creating these disruptions. Research also serves as an organizational pioneer. By challenging the present working methods and technologies we keep the organization moving. Our researchers are also encouraged to bring forth ideas for new business development.