For people like me who are passionate about science fiction films, the T-1000 in the film “Terminator 2″ is one of the most extraordinary representations of futuristic technology in the history of Hollywood.
A robot that changes shape at will, consisting of liquid metal and can be programmed to take various forms. Fantastic, I must say as well that will probably be relegated to the world of imagination for many years.
But DARPA seems to have a different opinion. They have recently allocated additional funds for a project called “Programmable Matter” (Programmable Matter), which provides its own implementation of a robot created by a new state of matter that can be changed in form and function, even car-shaped at will.
| cnn – intel “programmable matter“ |
Several universities, including Harvard, Cornell and MIT, are working on different approaches to solve this problem, and create programmable matter. This is essentially to create micro-programmable machine that can assemble in different forms and change their operation according to the different structures they assume.
“The distinction between materials and machines is becoming smoky. The materials would act as computer and communication systems, and communications systems and computers would act as materials,” says program manager Mitchell R. Zakin.
Not talking about a project just started and we do not know if it is feasible: Programmable Matter program is already in its second phase for over five months and will stay for another 10. The first step was the creation of five different research teams, two from Harvard, two belonging to ‘one of MIT and Cornell University, all composed of computer, robotic engineers, biologists, chemical engineers, mechanical, physical and artists. 
At the end of phase two research groups will be able to make four or five different three-dimensional solid starting from micro-particles. It should also demonstrate that, after assembly, each part can join the others with the same force of a plastic industry.
During the third phase however, will be tested several applications of the technology concerned. Of course, for military purposes as well.
The method of research and development team is the creation of two-dimensional objects that can assemble into three-dimensional structures, to micro-particles can come together to create complex shapes. 
One group is building what Zakin describes as a “self-assembling origami, using sheets of metamaterials capable of storing data and self-assemble into complex structures, with the potential to form any three-dimensional shape.
Harvard instead is developing a programming language for manipulating DNA.Yes, you read right, work on the DNA through a programming language.Researchers aim to manipulate the interactions between DNA fragments through a simplified language that acts as an interface between humans and the chemical interactions of the genetic code. 
What would be the manipulation of DNA Programmable Materials for the project?A program will be coated with DNA, used to assemble the various components through a pre-determined programming.
Or to manipulate micro-machines built to simulate the functioning of proteins and their ability to self-assemble to form complex organisms, an approach which is developing one of the five research teams.
Another method is to study instead of a core able to organize micro-particles around it according to different shapes and sizes and almost unlimited, although dependent on the size of the core, an electronic heart for countless applications.
The key points of the Programmable Matter project are well understood, and features provided are similar to those of the famous T-1000:
- Encoding information in the form of chemical bonds, or melt materials with machines.
- Manufacturing microscopic particles (from cm to 100 microns or less) that can take functions, arbitrary shapes and compositions.
- Develop mechanisms for strong adhesion and reversible.
- Create assembly strategies to transform information into action.
- Generate mathematical theories can build three-dimensional objects starting from particles.
But why develop it? One of the problems on the battlefield is the adaptability of the technologies used. If, for example, a drone is done by studying his wing for a flight at low altitudes, could face difficulties if he were forced to fly at high altitudes. But a quick change of the airfoil to adapt to environmental conditions could make it capable of flying anywhere in any weather situation and overcoming problems for which there was initially studied.
But the technology has applications in a myriad of situations. One example is that Zakin is this: in the future, soldiers could carry around a jar of “smart paint” that could be assembled into a microcomputer, ceramic, biological systems, potentially whatever is required on the battlefield.
We need to open a lock? No problem: intelligent particles are poured into the lock, take the form of key that opens and you’re done.
We need a knife? Take the key before it is reprogrammed to take the form of a blade, and you will get our knife.
As we are far from the technology T-1000? Probably still 30-40 years, since the company is bold, and it is a major challenge. But DARPA believes, and generally succeeds in what it finances.