GM's Dr. Alan Taub on Autoline Detroit This Weekend to Discuss "Smart Materials"

[Ming]

"SMART" SURROGATES
Thu, 24 May 2007

Detroit Public Television
Sunday, May 27 @ 10:30AM EST
Speed
Sunday, May 27 @ 11:00AM EST
Wednesday, May 30 @ 10:30AM EST



Synopsis: It isn't very often that you can point to a true breakthrough in how cars are made. But we could be on the verge of witnessing a revolution in automotive design and manufacturing.

This week on Autoline Detroit one of the leaders in this field, Dr. Alan Taub of General Motors gives us a preview of this manufacturing revolution in the making. His team has been integrating what it calls "smart materials" into design elements of future vehicles. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) and Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are plastics and metals that morph into different forms with a slight electrical charge. When you design them into a car or a truck, the weight savings are enormous, and that, of course, leads to lower costs.

To hear about this high-tech wizardry that's just a few years away, catch John McElroy's interview with Dr. Alan Taub and see for yourself the kind of "shape shifting materials" in store for perhaps your next vehicle.

Don't forget our web exclusive content on Autoline EXTRA available only at our website, www.autolinedetroit.tv.

[Source: Autoline Detroit Automated E-mail Notification]

Also See: GM Readies "Smart Materials" for 2010 Vehicles

[69Firebird400]

I hope GM can jump out in front of something like this. There would be an enormous number of possibilities for applying these new materials to future cars.

I probably won't watch Autoline, though. I watched the Lutz one, and although it was more or less interesting, I'd almost rather read about it than have to watch it, even off the DVR. There's something about listening to auto executives speaking that seems to bore me.

[asim]

This is pretty cool and has many possibilities. Even minor damage to the panels may be able to be fixed through the electrical charge in the panels. But if it breaks, the cost of replacement would probably be A LOT!

[jason4225]

This sounds like it could have some great benefits. GM needs to take the lead on this, because it could help improve the perception of their brands. By coming out with this first, it would help peopl associate innovative with GM. What is the last real "innovative" technology that GM has come up with? Just curious.

[ronald mcretard]

Originally Posted by jason4225

This sounds like it could have some great benefits. GM needs to take the lead on this, because it could help improve the perception of their brands. By coming out with this first, it would help peopl associate innovative with GM. What is the last real "innovative" technology that GM has come up with? Just curious.

OnStar maybe?

[DuSpinnst]

Memory metal, has the advantages of Polymer panels without those nasty gaps.

[jason4225]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

OnStar maybe?

Onstar is nice, but is it really considered innovative by the public? All I'm saying is, like the article states, this has the potential to revolutionary in both the design and manufacturing of vehicles.