This piece of futuristic paper can fold itself into an origami crane
Leave it to MIT to create futuristic paper, of all things! Specifically, scientists at the MIT Media Lab created a piece of paper that can fold itself into an origami crane. As much as we respect the ancient art of origami, MIT just made the craft a lot easier for us novices. All you have to do is watch the folding magic happen right in front of your eyes!
According to Mashable, this new self-folding technology is called “aeroMorph.” MIT scientists figured out how to turn flat paper into three-dimensional objects by way of inflation. They use a computer software to design the 3D shapes and a heat-sealing machine to create strategically placed air pockets in the material. Add some air, and the paper material comes to life!
Meanwhile we’re over here like —
In a blog post from the MIT Media Lab Tangible Media Group, the team behind aeroMorph explains in scientific detail how the invention works. They write:
"We developed a software tool that generates this bending mechanism for a given geometry, simulates its transformation, and exports the compound geometry as digital fabrication files. A custom heat-sealing head that can be mounted on usual 3-axis CNC machines to precisely fabricate the designed transforming material is presented."
The video that the aeroMorph team put together is both beautiful and super satisfying to watch.
The team sees this technology branching out into other fields such as robotics, architecture, and even wearables! Yup, self-folding clothes may be in our future!
Perhaps our future history books will read, “First there was the self-folding origami crane, and then came the self-folding car!” With MIT at the helm of this self-folding revolution, anything is possible!
