FYI Technic for Science

[pow]

Dear moderator feel free to move this topic to a different subforum. But I think it fits very well to the Lego Technic subforum as it shows how useful Technic is.

I found this very interesting article about scientists who started building Lego Technic devices for their labs to get special tasks done...

https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/06/25/1093639/lego-bricks-science-accessibility/

pretty inspiring isn't it?

 

BTW: german version: https://t3n.de/news/lego-technic-labor-forscher-geraete-nachbau-1632611

Edited July 8, 2024 by pow
link clickable & added german version

[Jurss]

I know that engineers at IBM Innovation studio in Munich are using lego to develop their ideas.

[Davidz90]

Thanks for sharing this!

Some time ago, I found out that the actuators moving the mirrors in James Webb Space Telescope were prototyped with Lego! Specifically, when watching this documentary on them:

 

I noticed that first comment on this video is from Robert Warden, who designed these devices. To quote: "Robert Warden here. I wrote the paper back in 2006. I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your reverse engineering! Your graphics and description are very well done. Back then, we didn't have easy access to 3D printers, so I built the first model out of Legos, which is still on my desk! Wishing you all the best - Bob"

He also provided a video of this Lego model:

[msk6003]

Renault did similar thing.

Origins of E-TECH - LEGO plus a touch of boldness - Renault Group

[2GodBDGlory]

Very cool stories!

I remember hearing anecdotally that Lego was used to prototype the linkages for the "Stow-N-Go" folding second row seats in Chrysler minivans, but I don't have a source for it

[pow]

On 7/8/2024 at 3:48 PM, Jurss said:

I know that engineers at IBM Innovation studio in Munich are using lego to develop their ideas.

Interesting! I tried to find public information on how they use lego at the innovation center. But i just dug out an article for a microscope developed somewhere(!) at ibm.

https://ibm-research.medium.com/ibm-open-sources-300-fully-functional-lego-microscope-design-248a6cdc81bf

 

On 7/8/2024 at 4:26 PM, Davidz90 said:

found out that the actuators moving the mirrors in James Webb Space Telescope were prototyped with Lego!

That kills me! The videos are amazing! The reverse engineering is brilliant and the old all dusty lego prototype looks so "different" and works so well! It's ingenious!

 

On 7/8/2024 at 4:55 PM, msk6003 said:

Renault did similar thing. 

Origins of E-TECH - LEGO plus a touch of boldness - Renault Group

i wonder how they managed to squeeze out 150 patents out of that idea! And i wonder if that system nowadays could be build without manipulating pieces.

 

18 hours ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Lego was used to prototype the linkages for the "Stow-N-Go" folding second row seats in Chrysler minivans

just found a video from chrysler showing how to operate the seats. youtu.be/8Wq6N-SjaRw ...developing those mechanisms must have felt like like rocket science.

[Jurss]

2 hours ago, pow said:

Interesting! I tried to find public information on how they use lego at the innovation center.

I was there last year at IBM Maximo EMEA event, they had walk trough with presentations for event participiants. I'll check, maybe I have some picture.