From intelligent mirrors to virtual assistants for all circumstances: The research project "KogniHome" brings together numerous smart technologies that are consistently geared toward the needs of the residents. © Universität Bielefeld

How can innovative lightweight materials be bonded quickly, permanently and reliably? The solution: MultiMaterial welding. The technology uses a combination of ultrasonic energy, the connector’s material hardness and design, and fused plastic as bonding compound. © Scope Online

3D printing conquers the furniture production: Low manufacturing costs, optimum use of materials and a wide range of design options inspire designers' creativity. © Deavita

Integration of nature and architecture for tomorrow's living: South Korean designers have developed a concept for the construction of high-rise buildings in the hollow trunks of dead giant sequoia trees. Would you move in? © eVolo Magazine

Permanently switched on lights waste energy. Smart automatic control systems with motion and presence detectors think autonomously and turn on the light only when a room is used. © Sonepar Deutschland

Micro living is a thing - as are the tiny dome-shaped "BiniShells". The micro houses are made of concrete, which is cast over a steel-reinforced concrete structure with a high performance pump, and can withstand storms, earthquakes and even lava flows. © Binishells

So many electrical devices - but where to put all the cables? ‘Conduct’ offers the solution: the wallpaper with conductive ink and metal strips provides the necessary electricity, making it flow as soon as you touch one of the integrated copper points. © UM Project

Furniture made of cardboard facilitates life - thanks to its low weight and minimum ecological footprint. Easy to assemble and dismantle, the lightweight furniture perfectly matches the mobile living trend. © ROOM IN A BOX

Luminous paths: translucent concrete is THE new building material for the Smart City. The innovative material, consisting of LED, synthetics and concrete, can improve orientation and safety in the city. © LCT GesmbH

From space travel right to the kitchen: The extremely strong and arbitrarily mouldable high-performance material carbon now also gives designer kitchens a touch of masculine extravagance. © SCHOCK

Spectacular, individual, sustainable: huge 3-D robot printers create high-quality terrazzo floors on the basis of individual design specifications - all made entirely from organic and recycled materials. © Aectual

3D printer cannot only be used for producing car parts or prostheses. Recently, the first 3D printed house has been built: The 8-square-meter Canal House in Amsterdam is absolutely sustainable. Recycled plastic has been used as "construction material" - and if required, the house can be melted down and reprinted. © DUS architects and Ossip van Diuvenbode