Key facts
- Apple's new foldable phone, the Duo, utilizes AI for hinge design and manufacturing.
- AI algorithms are employed to precisely match each hinge with its housing for optimal alignment.
- 3D printing is used to apply micro layers of photopolymer to the hinge components.
- The device incorporates a nano-texture finish to minimize glare and reflections.
- A multi-layer lamination strategy is implemented to enhance the phone's overall durability.
Apple has entered the foldable phone market with its new device, the Duo, which incorporates advanced technology to address durability concerns common in this category. A key innovation highlighted is the phone's hinge, which was designed and manufactured with the assistance of artificial intelligence and 3D printing.
According to Johny Srouji, Apple's chief hardware officer, AI algorithms are used during the manufacturing process to ensure each hinge is perfectly aligned with its housing. This is complemented by a confocal laser that scans the topology of every hinge unit. Subsequently, 3D printing applies up to 25 micro layers of a custom photopolymer to eliminate any residual waviness, thereby enhancing the hinge's precision and longevity.
Beyond the hinge, the Duo also features a custom nano-texture finish designed to significantly reduce glare and reflections. Additionally, a multi-layer lamination strategy has been implemented to further increase the device's durability. While these features aim to overcome the typical wear and tear associated with foldable devices, their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen.
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