The so-called autonomous adaptive structures are part of a long-term research into shape-memory healing which could impact long-term developments of implantable medical devices, for instance.

ENGADGET: Shape-memory polymer knows when it's hurt, fixes itself

The material uses what the researchers are calling 'shape-memory' polymers and have a fiber optic network embedded within them which acts as the damage sensor as well as the heat delivery system.

ENGADGET: Shape-memory polymer knows when it's hurt, fixes itself

The polymers return to a pre-defined shape when heated to a certain temperature, and, when damage is detected, an infrared laser sends light through the network to the damaged area, triggers the shape-memory, and commands the area to repair the crack or tear -- regaining up to 96 percent of its original strength.

ENGADGET: Shape-memory polymer knows when it's hurt, fixes itself

To replicate this, the vehicle uses shape memory alloys - materials that "remember" their original shape.

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With their pressure-relieving memory foam ear pads, the X Headphones conform to each listener's unique ear shape, providing a highly effective acoustic seal.

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Cork's "cellular memory" molecules return to their former shape may lead to further uses in anti-earthquake retrofitting.

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