• Retro peripheral manufacturer Hyperkin sorry for "lack of transparency" and "failing to communicate" with customers
    www.eurogamer.net
    Retro peripheral manufacturer Hyperkin sorry for "lack of transparency" and "failing to communicate" with customers"We don't want to fail you again."Image credit: Hyperkin News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on March 7, 2025 Retro peripheral manufacturer Hyperkin has apologised for a "lack of transparency" and "failing to communicate" with its customers.The company has had a series of fumbles in recent years, with a tendency to announce new products too early. Last year it announced a handheld Mega Drive device but has since gone quiet, while back in January it revealed PS5-style controllers compatible with Xbox and PC but without a release date.Also in January, Hyperkin revealed its new Hyper Strummer guitar controller for the Wii, but customers accused the company of simply reusing unsold stock of its Wii guitars. The company refuted the accusations and is set to release an equivalent controller for PC and PS3.Xbox currently has more first-party games coming to PlayStation 5 this year than Sony.Watch on YouTubeNow the company has issued an apology in a bid to rebuild trust with its customers."The Hyperkin team has taken time to reflect on our values as a company," a statement on social media reads."We have overpromised and under-delivered. We failed to properly communicate and let down countless fans in the community with our lack of transparency."It continued: "Our previously announced guitars are examples of us failing to communicate. There are no excuses and we take full responsibility for these mistakes. Trust is earned, not given, and we recognise that we have a lot of work to do to earn yours back with our modern guitar controller that is still being worked on."Hyperkin promised to "break the habit", acknowledging its past administration was "eager to announce projects still early in development", which will no longer be the case with the new team the company is building.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.As such it's focused on three areas: improved transparency in communication, "consistent connection" to keep customers informed, and "uncompromising quality" as it meets its goal to "deliver hardware that exceeds expectations"."For every victory there will be an announcement," it concluded. "For every shortcoming there will be a statement. Thank you to our fans, supporters and multiple communities that have put up with our missteps. We don't want to fail you again."
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  • Monopoly movie banks Dungeons & Dragons film writers
    www.eurogamer.net
    Lionsgate and Hasbro's upcoming Monopoly movie will be penned by the duo who bought us the criminally underrated Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves film. Read more
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  • The First Descendant devs briefly unmask new villain who is extra thicc
    www.videogamer.com
    You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe First Descendant Season 2 Episode 2 is set to launch very soon! It is the next big chapter from Nexon, and it will introduce a friendly new Fellow, while also debuting the highly-anticipated Serena. While TFD fans have already fallen head over heels in love with Serena, there is another new The First Descendant character that Nexon has briefly unmasked.Nexon briefly unmasks new The First Descendant characterAs shared on The First Descendant subreddit, during the recent Season 2 Episode 2 livestream, the New Villian [was] Unmasked in a screenshot they showed for 3 seconds. The two screenshots show a mysterious masked blonde woman fighting atop of Serena before the tables are turned and she is unmasked.Image credit: NexonIn regard to who the new villain is, it is seemingly Gleys daughter, Dia. During the livestream, Nexon said Gley finds a clue that suggests her daughter, Dia, might still be alive, and Serena will play an important role in helping Gley find her daughter. During the S2E2 trailer, theres also a scene where the new villain is attempting to kill Serena, and Gley calls out, Dia.As for why Dia would be allying with the Vulgus, it could be explained in lore which says Gley and her daughter were both abducted by the Vulgus. During this abduction, Gleys Arche abilities awakened, leading her to become a Descendant, and its possible the same happened with Dia.Although we dont know why Dia would be allying with the Vulgus, it could be as simple as brain washing. Presumably we will discover the reason as the Season 2 Episode 2 narrative unfolds.Nexon has previously teased that Dia will become a playable character for The First Descendant, but we dont know exactly when. Its possible she could be the new character for Season 3, which all we know of right now is Nexon ending support for PS4 and Xbox One consoles.In response to Nexon briefly unmasking the new villain, fans on Reddit have said she is extra thicc and that they really like her face. Fans have also pointed out how closely she resembles Hailey, and, theres also a lot of gushing over the revealing outfit.The First Descendant Season 2 Episode 2 is scheduled for March 13th, meanwhile, Season 3 is scheduled for June 19th.For more The First Descendant, we have a guide to thebest skills and loadout for Viessa, along with thebest skills, gear, and mods for the hugely popular Bunny. We also have a guide forFreynaalong with fundamentaltips for beginners.The First DescendantPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG5VideoGamerRelated TopicsThe First Descendant Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • Marvel Rivals event leak teases iconic X-Men are arriving soon
    www.videogamer.com
    You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereMarvel Rivals initial 33-character roster, bolstered by Season 1 additions such as the Fantastic Four, has kept fans hookedbut its the constant flow of leaks thats really driving the interest. Dataminers and insiders have discovered a bunch of prospective future heroes, ranging from heavyweights like Deadpool and Captain Marvel to niche options like Paste-Pot Pete, sending the community into an anticipation frenzy.With NetEase devs promising a new hero every six weeks, speculating on who will be next has become as exciting as playing the game. Recent leaks have revealed an X-Men surge, with names like Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Deadpool appearing alongside detailed ability kits, implying a mutant-themed season on the way. The excitement peaked this week with the latest event tease, which has strongly teased the arrival of the iconic group.Marvel Rivals March event teases X-Men member arriving with Cerebro helmetMarvel Rivals has recently released their new Clone Rumble event which brings in a new game mode and tons of rewards for players to unlock in a special event menu as they play it. However, the event which features Galacta, is also granting players a free spray which features Cerebro, the iconic helmet worn by Professor X to enhance his telepathic abilities.The Cerebro Spray teases an incoming X-Men member in Rivals. Image by VideoGamer.According to X0X Leak, the description of the spray references a Cerebro user as it says, Whoa! Cerebro is one of Mutantkinds most priceless treasures! But that crazy helmet is in terrible shape right now. Who will rise up and restore it to its former glory? This description teases mutants who are tied to Professor X or even the professor himself who will soon arrive in the game.But its not just Professor X who has donned the Cerebro mutants such as Jean Grey and Emma Frost who have also worn the helmet, indicate that a significant X-Mens arrival is imminent. As Marvel Rivals continues to dominate Steam charts and console playtime, this latest revelation just heightens the excitement for what promises to be a spectacular mutant invasion.If youre looking for more Marvel Rivals, check out how to get a free Avengers spray in the game, and also all the nerfs and buffs that have arrived with the latest update.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • When Europe needed it most, the Ariane 6 rocket finally delivered | "For this sovereignty, we must yield to the temptation of preferring SpaceX."
    arstechnica.com
    Drink up When Europe needed it most, the Ariane 6 rocket finally delivered "For this sovereignty, we must yield to the temptation of preferring SpaceX." Stephen Clark Mar 6, 2025 4:19 pm | 61 Europe's second Ariane 6 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center on Thursday with a French military spy satellite. Credit: ESA-CNES-Arianespace-P. Piron Europe's second Ariane 6 rocket lifted off from the Guiana Space Center on Thursday with a French military spy satellite. Credit: ESA-CNES-Arianespace-P. Piron Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreEurope's Ariane 6 rocket lifted off Thursday from French Guiana and deployed a high-resolution reconnaissance satellite into orbit for the French military, notching a success on its first operational flight.The 184-foot-tall (56-meter) rocket lifted off from Kourou, French Guiana, at 11:24 am EST (16:24 UTC). Twin solid-fueled boosters and a hydrogen-fueled core stage engine powered the Ariane 6 through thick clouds on an arcing trajectory north from the spaceport on South America's northeastern coast.The rocket shed its strap-on boosters a little more than two minutes into the flight, then jettisoned its core stage nearly eight minutes after liftoff. The spent rocket parts fell into the Atlantic Ocean. The upper stage's Vinci engine ignited two times to reach a nearly circular polar orbit about 500 miles (800 kilometers) above the Earth. A little more than an hour after launch, the Ariane 6 upper stage deployed CSO-3, a sharp-eyed French military spy satellite, to begin a mission providing optical surveillance imagery to French intelligence agencies and military forces."This is an absolute pleasure for me today to announce that Ariane 6 has successfully placed into orbit the CSO-3 satellite," said David Cavaillols, who took over in January as CEO of Arianespace, the Ariane 6's commercial operator. "Today, here in Kourou, we can say that thanks to Ariane 6, Europe and France have their own autonomous access to space back, and this is great news."This was the second flight of Europe's new Ariane 6 rocket, following a mostly successful debut launch last July. The first test flight of the unproven Ariane 6 carried a batch of small, relatively inexpensive satellites. An Auxiliary Propulsion Unit (APU)essentially a miniature second engineon the upper stage shut down in the latter portion of the inaugural Ariane 6 flight, after the rocket reached orbit and released some of its payloads. But the unit malfunctioned before a third burn of the upper stage's main engine, preventing the Ariane 6 from targeting a controlled reentry into the atmosphere.The APU has several jobs on an Ariane 6 flight, including maintaining pressure inside the upper stage's cryogenic propellant tanks, settling propellants before each main engine firing, and making fine adjustments to the rocket's position in space. The APU appeared to work as designed Thursday, although this launch flew a less demanding profile than the test flight last year.Is Ariane 6 the solution?Ariane 6 has been exorbitantly costly and years late, but its first operational success comes at an opportune time for Europe.Philippe Baptiste, France's minister for research and higher education, says Ariane 6 is "proof of our space sovereignty," as many European officials feel they can no longer rely on the United States. Baptiste, an engineer and former head of the French space agency, mentioned "sovereignty" so many times, turning his statement into a drinking game crossed my mind."The return of Donald Trump to the White House, with Elon Musk at his side, already has significant consequences on our research partnerships, on our commercial partnerships," Baptiste said. "Should I mention the uncertainties weighing today on our cooperation with NASA and NOAA, when emblematic programs like the ISS (International Space Station) are being unilaterally questioned by Elon Musk?"If we want to maintain our independence, ensure our security, and preserve our sovereignty, we must equip ourselves with the means for strategic autonomy, and space is an essential part of this," he continued. Philippe Baptiste arrives at a government question session at the Senate in Paris on March 5, 2025. Credit: Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images Baptiste's comments echo remarks from a range of European leaders in recent weeks.French President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address Wednesday night that the French were "legitimately worried" about European security after Trump reversed US policy on Ukraine. America's NATO allies are largely united in their desire to continue supporting Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion, while the Trump administration seeks a ceasefire that would require significant Ukrainian concessions."I want to believe that the United States will stay by our side, but we have to be prepared for that not to be the case," Macron said. "The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow."Friedrich Merz, set to become Germany's next chancellor, said last month that Europe should strive to "achieve independence" from the United States. "It is clear that the Americans, at least this part of the Americans, this administration, are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe."Merz also suggested Germany, France, and the United Kingdom should explore cooperation on a European nuclear deterrent to replace that of the United States, which has committed to protecting European territory from Russian attack for more than 75 years. Macron said the French military, which runs the only nuclear forces in Europe fully independent of the United States, could be used to protect allies elsewhere on the continent.Access to space is also a strategic imperative for Europe, and it hasn't come cheap. ESA paid more than $4 billion to develop the Ariane 6 rocket as a cheaper, more capable replacement for the Ariane 5, which retired in 2023. There are still pressing questions about Ariane 6's cost per launch and whether the rocket will ever be able to meet its price targetand compete with SpaceX and other companies in the commercial market.But European officials have freely admitted the commercial market is secondary on their list of Ariane 6 goals.European satellite operators stopped launching their payloads on Russian rockets after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Now, with Elon Musk inserting himself into European politics, there's little appetite among European government officials to launch their satellites on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The second Ariane 6 rocket on the launch pad in French Guiana. Credit: ESAS. Corvaja The Falcon 9 was the go-to choice for the European Space Agency, the European Union, and several national governments in Europe after they lost access to Russia's Soyuz rocket and when Europe's homemade Ariane 6 and Vega rockets faced lengthy delays. ESA launched a $1.5 billion space telescope on a Falcon 9 rocket in 2023, then returned to SpaceX to launch a climate research satellite and an asteroid explorer last year. The European Union paid SpaceX to launch four satellites for its flagship Galileo navigation network.European space officials weren't thrilled to do this. ESA was somewhat more accepting of the situation, with the agency's director general recognizing Europe was suffering from an "acute launcher crisis" two years ago. On the other hand, the EU refused to even acknowledge SpaceX's role in delivering Galileo satellites to orbit in the text of a post-launch press release."For this sovereignty, we must yield to the temptation of preferring SpaceX or another competitor that may seem trendier, more reliable, or cheaper," Baptiste said. "We did not yield for CSO-3, and we will not yield in the future. We cannot yield because doing so would mean closing the door to space for good, and there would be no turning back. This is why the first commercial launch of Ariane 6 is not just a technical and one-off success. It marks a new milestone, essential in the choice of European space independence and sovereignty."Two flights into its career, Ariane 6 seems to offer a technical solution for Europe's needs. But at what cost? Arianespace hasn't publicly disclosed the cost for an Ariane 6 launch, although it's likely somewhere in the range of 80 million to 100 million euros, about 40 percent lower than the cost of an Ariane 5. This is about 50 percent more than SpaceX's list price for a dedicated Falcon 9 launch.A new wave of European startups should soon begin launching small rockets to gain a foothold in the continent's launch industry. These include Isar Aerospace, which could launch its first Spectrum rocket in a matter of weeks. These companies have the potential to offer Europe an option for cheaper rides to space, but the startups won't have a rocket in the class of Ariane 6 until at least the 2030s.Until then, at least, European governments will have to pay more to guarantee autonomous access to space.Stephen ClarkSpace ReporterStephen ClarkSpace Reporter Stephen Clark is a space reporter at Ars Technica, covering private space companies and the worlds space agencies. Stephen writes about the nexus of technology, science, policy, and business on and off the planet. 61 Comments
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  • Starfield has "a lot of exciting things planned" in 2025, Bethesda reassures fans kinda left floating in space, who're just glad to hear "some communication at last"
    www.vg247.com
    Comet CommsStarfield has "a lot of exciting things planned" in 2025, Bethesda reassures fans kinda left floating in space, who're just glad to hear "some communication at last""Well that's better than absolute silence LOL."Image credit: Bethesda/VG247 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 7, 2025 Hola. Have you been waiting for info as to when Starfield might be getting some fresh updates or additions that aren't the work of modders? Well, good news, Bethesda's provided just that, though you'll have to settle for knowing the studio has "a lot of exciting things planned" for the game this year.Hey, at least it's something - aside from the odd cool mod or creation that Bethesda itself has chosen to highlight on its social channels, it's been pretty much radio silence from the developer on the game's future plans since its first proper bit of DLC arrived at the end of last September. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. In response to the official Starfield account retweeting a clip from NASA about "members of the Starfield community" having attended the launch of the IM-2 Athena lunar lander last week, a user with the handle 'Planetary Union Captain AuraWolf' asked the studio when it'd start providing info about what Starfield fans can look forward to in game soon."We know you're eager for an update, and we truly appreciate your passion for Starfield," read the official response, "The team has been hard at work, and while we're not ready to share specific details just yet, we have a lot of exciting things planned for the game this year that we can't wait to talk about when the time is right. Were always listening and taking your feedback to heart. Thanks for being part of this journey with us." To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Cool, though the reception to this update over on the Starfield subreddit has been a bit mixed, as you might expect, given it's not filled with deets about what's coming or when. "Some communication at last" is the title of the most highly-upvoted post sharing Bethesda's tweet, and the replies to it are a mix of similar sarcasm, disappointment, and the odd bit of hope."Well that's better than absolute silence LOL," one player wrote, while another said: "I agree it's at least [not the] 'we have not abandoned ship' that some people continue to spout." Meanwhile, another declared: "My prediction is [that at] the June showcase we get a trailer for the new expansion, alongside the Ps5 announcement and a semi-big update."That expansion would have to be a damn good one to revive the game's repuation a bit, given Shattered Space didn't take its opportunity to start a Starfield redemption arc. "Anyone returning to Starfield after all the time theyve spent with what remains a very marmite base game will likely be left feeling much the same way they did about all those hours when they get done playing what could have been a home run return to star form," was what I wrote in my review of the DLC, and nothing's changed my mind since.To be fair though, Shattered Space wasn't without merits - I did have fun defying its weird ghost parents in that one mission.
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  • Monster Hunter Wilds' next hotfix should sort out the floating rubble tactical nuke, which allows you to drop infinite boulders on a monster's head, and trivialises even end-game hunts
    www.vg247.com
    Monster Hunter Wilds is getting another hotfix patch on March 10, aimed at fixing a selection of known bugs. One of these is an absolute scorcher, the ability to cause a seemingly infinite number of rocks, walls, and other heavy things to crash down on monsters. Read more
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  • Switch Emulator 'NxEmu' Is Back And Hopes To Avoid Nintendo's Wrath
    www.nintendolife.com
    Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo LifeNintendo has been absolutely relentless when it comes to Switch emulators, and for good reason: the company recently confirmed that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible with the vast majority of Switch titles, so naturally, it doesn't want folks accessing said games in other ways.As such, emulation projects like Yuzu and Ryujinx have been shut down following legal pursuits from Nintendo, but now, a third project called NxEmu is back after a three-year hiatus (thanks, RetroHandhelds). What's more, developer 'N3xoX1' is approaching its revival with a firm view of avoiding a Nintendo takedown.In a blog post, the developer states "Ive considered leveraging what Ive learned and understood from my experience by modularising the safe and legal components from Yuzu, such as the CPU, OS, and video. In addition, N3xoX1 states that the issue with other emulators was that they didn't include any kind of decryption; something they hope to avoid with NxEmu.The blog post also notes that because of the nature of its development via modularisation, it will likely take some time before NxEmu achieves feature-parity with Yuzu at the time of its discontinuation.It's a bold endeavour, but we know what Nintendo is like. If it feels like NxEmu might prove even a remote threat to its copyright, chances are it will take prompt action to halt its development. Especially with the launch of the Switch 2 on the horizon.Whatever happens, we'll be sure to keep you up to date. After being taken offline last month3DS emulator Citra to also shut down"I am inevitable" *click!*Do you think NxEmu has any hope of surviving Nintendo's wrath? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source nxemu.com, via retrohandhelds.gg]Share:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Confirms Removal Of Switch Online SNES GameSuper Soccer will "no longer be available"Nintendo Discounts Several Games On Switch For MAR10 Day (North America)"I'm a slasher... of prices!"Stardew Valley's New Update For Nintendo Switch Is Now LiveUpdate: Creator acknowledges "error" in Switch patchNintendo Switch Online Announces Removal Of Super Famicom TitleGoodbye, Super SoccerStunning New Physical Edition Of Stardew Valley Is Now Available At FangamerIncludes comic, poster, art cards, and more
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  • Review: Donkey Kong (GB) - One Of The Game Boy's Very Best
    www.nintendolife.com
    It's on with the King of the Kongs.This review was originally published in June 2011. We're updating and republishing it to mark the arrival of the game in the Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy library.In 1994, Nintendo had a great idea; why not make a true sequel to the original Donkey Kong arcade game? The result is Donkey Kong for the Game Boy, also known as Donkey Kong '94, which birthed the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series.Read the full article on nintendolife.com
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  • IBM Publishes New 4D Printing Patent for nanomachines
    3dprintingindustry.com
    The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a new patent from New York-based IT multinational International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). Originally filed in August 2023, the document (US Patent No. 20250073998) outlines a novel method for transporting microparticles using 4D printed smart materials.According to IBMs filing, these 4D printed substances move in response to external stimuli like heat, light, magnetic fields, or electricity. Therefore, they can be configured and manipulated to deliver microparticles (1-100m in diameter) from a starting point to a target location in small, hard-to-reach areas.The US tech giants method uses a computer program to monitor the movement of the smart materials. If the 4D objects deviate from their intended path, machine learning models adjust the inputs to keep the microparticles on track. IBM highlights drug delivery, cell microcarriers, miniature electronics assembly, and micro-manufacturing as potential applications.IBMs AI Engineer Tushar Agrawal and Application Architect Sarbajit K. Rakshit, who helped invent the new 4D printing-enabled method, bring significant additive manufacturing pedigree. Agrawal has contributed to over 180 patent applications, including a proposal to 3D print objects from decomposable materials and monitor their breakdown over time. Rakshit, who possesses nearly two decades of IBM experience, was behind the companys hologram 3D printing patent filed in 2017.Former IBM software developer Vinod A. Valecha is also named on the patent. Now working at San Jose tech firm Cohesity, he previously contributed to IBMs patent for continuous 3D printing with a collapsable build plate. Valecha also co-invented a parallelized additive manufacturing process that fabricates a deconstructed part simultaneously on multiple 3D printers. Su Liu, a Master Inventor at IBM, is also named on the newly published 4D printing patent.The IBM logo. Photo via IBM.IBMs new 4D printing patentIBMs 4D printing process begins when the computer program receives a user request to transport microparticles from a starting position to a target location along a specific path. Each request includes key characteristics like microparticle size, shape, weight, and material composition. The delivery path and environmental conditions must also be specified, with the small-scale smart printed material able to move through mediums spanning industrial environments, intestinal tracts, and arteries.IBMs program analyzes the request and uses ML models to design a 4D printable object optimized for microparticle delivery. Smart materials that can be used in these objects include shape-memory alloys and shape-memory polymers.Both can return to their original shape after being heated or deformed. If the microparticles are small enough, they can be directly attached to the surface of the movable 4D object. However, for larger and heavier microstructures, IBM suggests rigid, 3D printed containers. These fasten to the smart materials and hold the microplastics during transportation.Once triggered, IBMs program applies an external stimulus to activate the 4D object. The smart material responds by deforming and generating forces that enable movement. For example, heat causes shape-memory materials to bend or fold, while light triggers movement in photo-responsive materials. Magnetic fields can also be used to either attract or repel the 4D object, guiding its movement in a specific direction.IBMs patented process uses ML models to continuously monitor the 4D printed object as it moves along the delivery path. If any deviations or blockages are detected, the algorithm instantaneously analyzes the issue and adjusts the stimuli to correct its movement. Once it reaches the target location, IBMs program removes the external input, stopping movement and delivering the microparticles.According to the Silicon Valley tech leader, its newly published patent offers significant potential for several high-value applications. For instance, it could provide a precise method for targeted drug delivery by transporting medicine throughout the body to specific organs or tissues. Within the electronics sector, IBMs novel process could be used to assemble miniature electronic components with extreme precision. The smart materials can also move microparticles in small spaces where conventional manufacturing machines and robots cant reach, offering value for microfabrication.Flow charts representing IBMs new method. Image via the United States Patent and Trademark Office.4D printing: a new dimension for additive manufacturing4D printing is by no means a new concept. Back in 2021, Researchers from Chinas Tianjin University developed a 4D printed soft robot capable of movement.The tube-shape device was made of liquid crystal elastomer, which allowed it to self-assemble when subjected to heat. It was designed to leverage fold patterns to create strain within its structure, allowing it to roll and traverse flat surfaces. The 4D printed robot also demonstrated the ability to climb a 20 incline and drag a load up to 40 times its own weight.A team of German, Egyptian, and UAE-based researchers also developed a novel method to create 4D printed dental aligners with memory capabilities. DLP-printed from Kline Europes transparent ClearX resin, the orthodontic device is designed to soften once inserted into a users mouth. This allows the aligner to adapt to, grip, and reposition misaligned teeth. The researchers demonstrated an ability to predictably change the aligners properties over time, making it a sustainable alternative to single-use dental products.Elsewhere, a team from Queens University Belfast developed personalized 4D printed breast implants to manage and treat cancer. According to the researchers, this was the first time 4D printing was used to produce breast cancer implants.Using this process, the Northern Ireland-based scientists fabricated multipurpose breast implants that can be programmed to change size to better fit into the patients tissue cavity. This reportedly unlocks greater personalization and improved aesthetic outcomes. The 4D printed implants can also be programmed to release chemotherapy drugs where they are needed, protecting against the return of cancer cells.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the IBM logo. Photo via IBM.
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