It is an evolving field of product design practice and research linked to similar concepts at the material scale (programmable matter and four-dimensional printing), however, typically utilizes sensors and actuators in order to respond to environmental and human conditions, modifying the shape, color, character and other physical properties of the product.
The concept of imbuing products with similar life-like qualities has been an area of increasing research within academia and industry alike.
[1] shape changing,[2] kinetic,[3] or in a more general sense, smart, connected, robotic or having a level of artificial intelligence.
Additional micro adjustments were possible using manual controls, however, the designers claim a longer-term vision for such products to come alive and respond in real-time to user needs.
[4] In 2008 BMW revealed a concept car called GINA which featured a fabric body stretched over a movable aluminium wire and carbon fiber frame, capable of flexing in certain areas to reveal details like door openings, or modify aerodynamic properties of the car in real time.