Chaise longue with variable stiffness
The chaise longue by researchers Henriette Bier and Arwin Hidding is a multifunctional chair, made from 3D robotics. The chaise longue can change shape, allowing the object to be used both as a chair and a bed. The user can sit or lie down by deforming the chaise longue with his or her weight. The shape change is achieved by combining variation in material distribution and the use of thermoplastic elastomers. Variable stiffness has been used in this project as an adaptation strategy to achieve multi-functionality.