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More Close
Research
Personal Robots

Building intelligent personified technologies that collaborate with people to help them learn, thrive, and flourish.

#robotics #design #virtual reality +67 more
Accepting Applicants
Research
Space Enabled

Advancing justice in Earth's complex systems using designs enabled by space

#robotics #design #human-computer interaction +55 more
Not Accepting Applicants
Project Research

Space Fabrics: resilient electronic textiles for distributed sensing in low Earth orbit

Overview: The outermost skin of a space-based structure is designed using materials known to protect against the harsh elements of space. S…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Juliana Cherston
#design #architecture #consumer electronics +14 more
Archived
Project Research

SpaceTouch

An astronaut's ability to leverage the sense of touch is substantially reduced when wearing a protective, pressurized spacesuit. We imagine…

in Responsive Environments
Juliana Cherston · Irmandy Wicaksono +2 more
#environment #sensors #space
Archived
Post Research

On-orbit livestream events for two Media Lab research projects | Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2)

Q+A sessions on two research projects with contributors from MIT and the Media Lab will be livestreamed from the ISS on May 26 and May 28.

May 23, 2023
in Opera of the Future · Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
#health #music #space +1 more
Archived
Research
Digital Learning + Collaboration Studio

Digital Learning + Collaboration Studio

#robotics #design #agriculture +11 more
Research
Fluid Interfaces

Designing Systems for Cognitive Support

#art #artificial intelligence #bioengineering +23 more
Accepting Applicants
Post Research

MIT Media Lab research on the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) launch

The Axiom Mission 2 launch will carry a variety of research from the MIT Media Lab to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 21, 2023

May 18, 2023
in Opera of the Future · Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
#health #music #space +1 more
Post Research

Prathima Muniyappa and Alexandra Rieger among 2024 cohort of MIT MAD Design Fellows

The MAD Fellowship is an opportunity for MIT grad students to propose a research-oriented or personal design project.

May 9, 2023
in Opera of the Future · Space Enabled
#artificial intelligence #music #neurobiology +3 more
Research
Space Exploration Initiative

Space Exploration Initiative

#robotics #design #virtual reality +69 more
Article Research

MIT HUMANS project breaks down borders, empowering global voices to reach for the stars

The HUMANS nanowafer, an MIT Space Exploration Initiative student-led project, will travel to the ISS this month, and later to the moon.

via MIT News · May 9, 2023
in Opera of the Future · Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
#music #space
Article Research

The Research Powering Humanity’s First Space Civilization with Ariel Ekblaw

On StarTalk, Dr. Ariel Ekblaw talks about her work with the Media Lab’s Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) and the Aurelia Institute.

via Youtube · April 22, 2023
in Space Exploration Initiative · Media Lab Spinoffs
#design #space
Article Research

Ariel Ekblaw Wants To Go to Space So We Can Save Earth

Media Lab's Ariel Ekblaw talks to Inverse about the questions and the philosophies that drive her work with SEI and the Aurelia Institute.

via Inverse · April 20, 2023
in Space Exploration Initiative · Media Lab Spinoffs
#space #zero gravity
Article Research

With the HUMANS project, a message that space is for everyone

Supported by the Space Exploration Initiative, the student-run HUMANS project aims to increase global representation in space.

via MIT News · July 20, 2021
in Space Exploration Initiative
#art #space #community +3 more
Project Research

MicroPET: Investigation of Biodegradation of PET Plastics in Spaceflight

We present the "MicroPET" mission, consisting of an autonomous payload for enzymatic reactions and microbial cultivation with fully program…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Xin Liu · Pat Pataranutaporn +4 more
#bioengineering #environment #synthetic biology +1 more
Research
Opera of the Future

Extending expression, learning, and health through innovations in musical composition, performance, and participation

#multimodal representation #performance technologies #digital opera +64 more
Accepting Applicants
Research
Tangible Media

Invent new tangible and embodied interactions that inspire and engage people

#robotics #design #virtual reality +59 more
Accepting Applicants
Project Research

Zenolith - An Interplanetary Time Device

On Earth, morning, noon, and night have their own specific meanings. The feeling of a second or a minute passing by, the shortening of the …

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sands Fish · Che-Wei Wang +1 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Research
Beyond the Cradle

Beyond the Cradle

#robotics #design #architecture +10 more
Project Research

SEI Analog Environments Study: Adaptation, Collaboration, and Resilience in Extreme Environments

SEI Analog Environments StudyProject OverviewThe way humans engage with space has changed rapidly over the past 60 years, moving from a mod…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sanjana Sharma · Maggie Coblentz +1 more
#design #environment #social science +2 more
Research
Responsive Environments

Augmenting and mediating human experience, interaction, and perception with sensor networks

#robotics #design #virtual reality +67 more
Accepting Applicants
Project Research

Public Library Innovation Exchange

Public libraries are one of most trusted public institutions in the U.S. and increasingly provide a broad range of education services, rang…

in ML Learning · Digital Learning + Collaboration Studio · Lifelong Kindergarten
J. Philipp Schmidt · Ada Ren-Mitchell +7 more
#robotics #design #art +6 more
Article Research

Why are we sending a plastic-eating enzyme to space?

A collaboration with researchers from the Space Exploration Initiative is investigating biological processes to upcycle plastics.

via Mashable · Jan. 26, 2023
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #environment #space +1 more
Research
Conformable Decoders

Converting the patterns of nature and the human body into beneficial signals and energy

#robotics #design #computer vision +41 more
Accepting Applicants
Research
Human Dynamics

Exploring how social networks can influence our lives in business, health, governance, and technology adoption and diffusion

#robotics #design #social networks +69 more
Not Accepting Applicants
Archived
Project Research

Microgravity Extrusion

Traditional additive manufacturing processes, especially those that make use of liquid resin as the feedstock, are constrained by the gravi…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Ariel Ekblaw · Sean Auffinger +1 more
#robotics #architecture #art +12 more
Archived
Article Research

Documentary featuring Professor Sara Seager wins Emmy Award

Four Emmy nominees in this year’s Outstanding Science and Technology Documentary category feature MIT students, faculty, and alumni.

via MIT News · Oct. 5, 2022
in Civic Media
#art #space
Article Research

Denting the future at San Diego Comic-Con 2022

Dent the Future organizes annual 2022 science and tech panels featuring Sana Sharma.

via Dent the Future · July 23, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #human-computer interaction #space +1 more
Publication Research

AgriFuge: An exploration of controlled irrigation methods for a rotating plant habitat

Somayajulu Dhulipala, Manwei Chan. Agrifuge: An exploration of controlled irrigation methods for a rotating plant habitat. IAC-22, Paris, France. IAC-22,A2,3,4,x69080.

Academic Paper, Oct. 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #biology #wellbeing +1 more
Publication Research

The Astronaut Ethnography Web Project: Insights from first-person accounts of space

S. Sharma, N. Klop-Packel, A. Ekblaw, “The Astronaut Ethnography Web Project: Insights from First-Person Accounts of Space.” AC-22,E1,9,19,x68611, 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, France, 18-22 September 2022.

Academic Paper, Oct. 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #social science #space +1 more
Article Research

Ariel Ekblaw explains the future of space stations

In an interview, Ariel Ekblaw discusses the democratization of access to space and what it means for the future of space stations.

via Fast Company · July 8, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#design #space #technology
Article Research

MIT welcomes eight MLK Visiting Professors and Scholars for 2022-23

MLK Jr. Visiting Professors and Scholars will enhance and enrich the MIT community through engagement with students and faculty.

via MIT News · July 14, 2022
in Space Enabled
#art #music #space +3 more
Article Research

Amazon MARS 2022: Day 2 Keynote

Be inspired by Rohit Prasad, SVP and Head Scientist, Alexa AI, Amazon, Tye Brady, Chief Technologist, Amazon Robotics, Dilip Kumar, VP, Phy…

via Youtube · June 22, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #computer vision #sensors +3 more
Project Research

Spatial Flux: Body and architecture in space

Structurally, zero gravity means that we do not have to contend with architecture's greatest arch-nemesis, gravity. This opens up a new wor…

in City Science · Space Exploration Initiative
Carson Smuts · Chrisoula Kapelonis
#design #architecture #art +4 more
Project Research

Peristaltic Suit

It is known that prolonged exposure to micro and hyper-gravity induces various acute health risks, such as osteoporosis, skeletal muscle at…

in Responsive Environments
Irmandy Wicaksono · Ali Shtarbanov +1 more
#robotics #data #wearable computing +6 more
Project Research

Lunar Sensor Net

We are leveraging current Wireless Sensor Network technology to develop an easily deployable, and inexpensive wireless sensor (LunarWSN) ne…

in Responsive Environments
Fangzheng Liu · Joseph A. Paradiso
#robotics #design #environment +3 more
Post Research

Dava Newman and Moriba Jah named to Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC)

Committee members provide information, advice and recommendations to the FAA and DOT.

Oct. 24, 2022
in Director's Office · Space Enabled
#environment #space
Project Research

Candlewax Rockets: A Green Alternative for In-Space Propulsion

Wax-based hybrid rocket propellants, including paraffin (common candlewax) and beeswax show promise as high-performing hybrid rocket propel…

in Space Enabled
Javier Stober
#robotics #architecture #art +16 more
Article Research

What the well-dressed spacecraft will be wearing

Spacecraft wrapped in sensor-rich electronic textiles could double as scientific instruments

via IEEE Spectrum · Nov. 27, 2021
in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
#consumer electronics #data #wearable computing +5 more
Project Research

AstroAnt

"Autonomous operations are critical for the success, safety, and crew survival of NASA deep space missions beyond low Earth orbit, includin…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Fangzheng Liu · Ariel Ekblaw +1 more
#sensors #space
Post Research

Space Miso: ISS Mission 2020

New flavors may evolve as earth foods migrate to outer space. A collaboration between Maggie Coblentz at the MIT Media Lab and Joshua Evans…

Feb. 27, 2020
in Space Exploration Initiative
#food #space #zero gravity
Archived
Project Research

Scratch in Space

The Scratch Team invited young people from around the world to create Scratch projects designed specifically to be played in zero grav…

in Lifelong Kindergarten · Space Exploration Initiative
Christan Balch · Eric Schilling
#computer science #space #zero gravity
Archived
Article Research

NASA funds three projects to study orbital debris, including a collaboration between Profs. Danielle Wood, Moriba Jah, and Richard Linares

Orbital debris consists of human-made objects orbiting Earth that no longer serve a purpose.

via NASA · Sept. 14, 2022
in Space Enabled
#environment #space
Article Research

The Real Story: NASA's plan to go back to the Moon

A panel of experts, including SEI director Ariel Ekblaw, discusses the history, culture, science, and future of NASA's Artemis program

via BBC World Service · Aug. 26, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#space
Project Research

Space Sustainability Rating

The Space Sustainability RatingThe Space Sustainability Rating design team—comprised of the World Economic Forum, the European Space Agency…

in Space Enabled
Danielle Wood · Minoo Rathnasabapathy
#environment #health #politics +7 more
Archived
Research
ML Learning

ML Learning

#design #virtual reality #cognition +22 more
Archived
Research
Open Ocean

Open Ocean

#robotics #virtual reality #art +32 more
Archived
Research
Civic Media

Creating technology for social change

#robotics #design #social networks +54 more
Not Accepting Applicants
Archived
Research
Mediated Matter

Designing for, with, and by nature

#robotics #design #architecture +34 more
Not Accepting Applicants
Article Research

Summer 2022 recommended reading from MIT

Enjoy these recent titles from Institute faculty and staff.

via MIT News · July 8, 2022
in Communications · Human Dynamics · Personal Robots +1 more
#robotics #data #social robotics +2 more
Project Research

Microgravity Research Flights with the Space Exploration Intiative

The Space Exploration Initiative charters an annual ZERO-G parabolic flight for 14-15 projects and 25 researchers across MIT Media Lab, sev…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#space #zero gravity
Article Research

Artist Xin Liu lets science-backed absurdity take the wheel

The artist and MIT Media Lab Space Exploration Initiative Arts curator makes work that explores why the seemingly impossible is possible.

via Cultured Magazine · June 28, 2022
in Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
#art #creativity #space +1 more
Post Research

Neil Gaikwad chosen as a 2019 Facebook Fellow

Neil Gaikwad, a PhD student in the Space Enabled research group, has been selected as one of the 2019 Facebook Fellows.

Jan. 16, 2019
in Space Enabled
#agriculture #artificial intelligence #ecology +6 more
Archived
Project Research

Big Ocean, Big Data

More ocean data has been collected in the last two years than in all previous years combined, and we are on a path to continue to break tha…

in Open Ocean
Katy Croff Bell · Neil Gaikwad
#data #environment #machine learning +3 more
Archived
Article Research

Foundations Provide Crucial Support for Novel Ideas

In MIT Spectrum, Gladys Ngetich of the Space Enabled research group discusses her passion for math and physics and her road to MIT.

via MIT Spectrum · June 17, 2022
in Space Enabled
#environment #space #engineering +1 more
Project Research

The Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit

By Rachel Bellisle

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +14 more
Article Research

MIT Media Lab trials modular tiles that self-assemble into "entirely novel type of space architecture"

Ariel Ekblaw talks about the TESSERAE project, which was tested on the Space Station during the recent Axiom Space AX-1 mission.

via Dezeen · May 27, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#architecture #space #technology
Project Research

TESSERAE: Self-Assembling Space Architecture

Overview: How will we build the coming generations of Space Architecture—the modules, space ships, and space stations that will enscon…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Ariel Ekblaw
#robotics #design #agriculture +12 more
Project Research

Fluid Expressions - Art and Craft in Microgravity

When imagining human life in space, how will we express our humanity and creativity in an alien environment? Can the art we make both refle…

in Space Exploration Initiative
Sanjana Sharma
#robotics #design #architecture +13 more
Project Research

Personalized Performance-Optimization Platform (AttentivU - P-POP)

​The environmental conditions of prolonged spaceflight pose significant psychological risks for astronauts. In particular, crews of future …

in Fluid Interfaces · Space Exploration Initiative
Nataliya Kos'myna · Pattie Maes
#environment #health #sensors +6 more
Archived
Project Research

Physio FreeFall

This project seeks to examine the effects of altered gravity on an individual’s physiology during parabolic flight. Specifically, we will c…

in Affective Computing · Space Exploration Initiative
Kristy Johnson · Rosalind W. Picard +3 more
#bioengineering #consumer electronics #health +5 more
Archived
Article Research

3 Questions: Ariel Ekblaw on building beautiful architecture in space

The TESSERAE project, a design for self-assembling space structures and habitats, has sent prototypes to the International Space Station.

via MIT News · May 11, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #design #architecture +2 more
Project Research

SpaceHuman 2.0

SpaceHuman is a soft robotics device designed to facilitate the exploration of environments with reduced gravity in a view of democratizati…

in Responsive Environments · Space Exploration Initiative
Valentina Sumini · Joseph A. Paradiso +2 more
#robotics #design #human-computer interaction +16 more
Article Research

Q&A: Climate Grand Challenges finalists on using data and science to forecast climate-related risk

Faculty leaders highlight innovations that can close longstanding knowledge gaps and reimagine how the world responds to the climate crisis.

via MIT News · April 7, 2022
in Space Enabled
#data #environment #space +4 more
Article Research

Ariel Ekblaw: Space Colonization and Self-Assembling Space Megastructures

Ariel Ekblaw talks about leading the Space Exploration Initiative, self-assembling space architecture, science fiction, + long-term thinking

via Lex Fridman podcast · April 6, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#architecture #space #technology
Archived
Project Research

Wanderers

The Wanderers were unveiled as part of the exhibition: ‘The Sixth Element: Exploring the Natural Beauty of 3D Printing' on display a…

in Mediated Matter
Christoph Bader · Dominik Kolb +1 more
#design #architecture #art +4 more
Archived
Project Research

Reconfigurable space structures

Rapid prototyping platforms such as 3D printers used for digital fabrication are today able to manufacture custom objects for specific task…

in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #art +13 more
Article Research

Robotic cubes shapeshift in outer space

Self-reconfiguring ElectroVoxels use embedded electromagnets to test applications for space exploration.

via MIT News · Feb. 23, 2022
in Space Exploration Initiative
#robotics #architecture #space +2 more
Article Research

2021 was the year space tourism opened up. But for whom?

Space Exploration Initiative director Ariel Ekblaw speaks with WIRED’s Ramin Skibba about the beginning and future of space tourism.

via WIRED · Dec. 29, 2021
in Space Exploration Initiative
#entertainment #politics #transportation +1 more
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