Origami-Inspired, Self-locking Structures With 3D Printing

Researchers recently shared details on creating foldable, self-locking structures by using multi-material 3D printing. These origami-inspired designs can transition between flat and three-dimensional forms, locking into place without needing external …read more Continue reading Origami-Inspired, Self-locking Structures With 3D Printing

Ancient tech boosts tape’s adhesive strength, but leaves it easy to peel

Ordinarily, adhesive tape either boasts a strong hold or is easy to remove. Drawing inspiration from an ancient paper-cutting technique, however, scientists have now devised a method of combining both qualities in existing types of tape.Continue Readin… Continue reading Ancient tech boosts tape’s adhesive strength, but leaves it easy to peel

Bringing The Art Of Origami And Kirigami To Robotics And Medical Technology

Cranes made by Origami (Orizuru). The height is 35mm.

Traditionally, when it comes to high-tech self-assembling microscopic structures for use in medicine delivery, and refined, delicate grippers for robotics, there’s been a dearth of effective, economical options. While some …read more Continue reading Bringing The Art Of Origami And Kirigami To Robotics And Medical Technology

Kirigami-inspired gripper lifts fragile objects without breaking them

Most robotic grippers work by applying pressure to an object from either side – it’s an approach which could damage delicate items. A new gripper gets around that problem, however, thanks to an ancient Japanese art form.Continue ReadingCategory: Good T… Continue reading Kirigami-inspired gripper lifts fragile objects without breaking them

Paper-folding art reduced to the nanoscale in engineering breakthrough

There is a lot engineers can learn from Japanese paper folding art forms, from cheap batteries made from paper and water to tiny robots that are activated by heat. While origami gets a lot of the attention, a variation of this called kirigami also has … Continue reading Paper-folding art reduced to the nanoscale in engineering breakthrough

Harvard’s programmable kirigami balloons inflate into “crazy” shapes

By turning to the paper-based art form of kirigami for inspiration, a team of Harvard researchers has developed a system for programmable balloons that can take on all kinds of “crazy” shapes when inflated. More than just a vehicle to produce impressiv… Continue reading Harvard’s programmable kirigami balloons inflate into “crazy” shapes