Benjamin Peters is a master’s degree student in the Mediated Matter Group at the MIT Media Lab, where he works to develop new digital fabrication technologies. His primary invention is a novel technique for efficiently actuating a large array of tiny pins for use as a molding tool. Similar to the common pin-art toy, the reconfigurable molding surface combines the speed of molding processes with the dynamic reconfigurability of a 3D printer. The development of a unique fusible alloy micro-clutch array allows the device to quickly reconfigure thousands of pins with only a single moving actuator. Aside from the digital mold, Ben has recently developed a cable suspended robotic crane for 3D printing buildings and novel devices for electro-discharge machining, ceramic superconductor synthesis, and inkjet deposition. Ben received an S.B. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. He was awarded a first place award in the Lobby 7 Design Competition, and the Whitelaw Award for Excellence in Design and Manufacturing.  While Ben was an undergraduate, he was coordinator of Discover Mechanical Engineering, a popular freshmen pre-orientation program.  Ben can be found roaming around the Media Lab with his robotic, mobile office.