Morph It! The Nanotechnology-Sports Innovation Challenge

Have you heard of the Morph concept device?

I recently read an article in French magazine Newzy about this mind-stretching cell phone concept developed by the Cambridge Nanoscience Center and Nokia Research Center.

Morph, a dirt-repellent, waterproof phone that can bend, detect pollution, allergens, and capture solar energy, gives us a fascinating look into the future.

What about nanotechnology and sports? What kind of crazy impact could nanotechnology have on our future athletic endeavors?

So I did a little Googling and found out that:

TODAY, nanotechnology is already influencing the world of sports. Here’s a sampling of nano-sports products in circulation:

* Lighter golf drivers for more swing power and accuracy with nano-composite material on the crown (forget titanium)
* Tennis balls that maintain their bounce longer due to an engineered nanocomposite gas barrier
* Stronger serves with tennis rackets five-times stiffer than carbon ones thanks to nanotubes
* Lighter bikes and faster racing with bicycle handles composed of ultra-light carbon nanotubes
* Bowling balls that won’t chip or crack thanks to an extra-tough nanotech coating called fullerenes

This sounds pretty reasonable to me. A little too much. I want crazy, inventive sports products, not just beefed-up existing ones.

I want a Morph concept device à la sports innovation!

What type of outlandish sports equipment would you invent with nanotechnology? Post your ideas and links to 3D drawings on this blog . . . Let’s dream a little . . .

-Kate

PS: For more information on nanotechnology, visit this glossary.

Also, check out this article on futuristic sports equipment to tickle your imagination.

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