The Nokia Research Center (NRC) and the University of Cambridge have showcased Morph, a nanotechnology concept which might be capable of delivering flexible materials, transparent electronics and self-cleaning surfaces. The applications may range from flexible mobile devices.

"Nokia Research Center is looking at ways to reinvent the form and function of mobile devices; the Morph concept shows what might be possible," said Bob Iannucci, Nokia's Chief Technology Officer, in a statement.

However, if you were planning to get a flexible nanotech-based mobile phone anytime soon, you're in for a disappointment: Nokia said that this high-tech stuff will be implemented in mobile devices sometime within the next seven years. The new concept is being showcased at the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City from February 24 to May 12, 2008.

"Developing the Morph concept with Nokia has provided us with a focus that is both artistically inspirational but, more importantly, sets the technology agenda for our joint nanoscience research that will stimulate our future work together," said Mark Welland, head of the Department of Engineering's Nanoscience Group at the University of Cambridge and University Director of Nokia-Cambridge collaboration, to eeTimes.

Analysts have estimated that Nokia is investing nearly $100 million in the joint venture with Cambridge University on projects that focus on nanotechnology. The Finnish mobile leader has many ongoing research projects developed jointly with various universities across the world. Together with UC Berkeley researchers, the company has recently conducted an experiment that could soon transform the way drivers navigate through congested highways.

Students from the University of California drove one hundred cars, equipped with Nokia’s N95 phones, on a 10-mile stretch of highway near San Francisco. During the experiment, special software on the mobile devices periodically sent anonymous speed and location readings from the integrated GPS to servers. The GPS feeds were then combined to create a real-time picture of traffic speeds and projected travel times.