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Computing in the News (CitN)

Engineering Origami

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Example 3

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Agenda

  • Description - what is it?
  • Why it’s important
  • Computing aspects (HOW does it work? What’s the process?)
  • Positive aspects
  • Negative aspects
  • My opinion
  • Resources

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Description

  • Origami (paper folding) in Engineering Applications
  • Ways to make 2D materials into useful 3D objects

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View presentation mode: 2:30 min clip

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MIT Origami Capsule Robot 2:11 min.

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Why it is important

  • In many places and fields, space/room is very limited

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  • For example:
    • Outer Space
    • Inside our bodies (example 2:11 min. MIT ingestible capsule robot)
    • Remote/dangerous locations on Earth

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  • Transforming smaller/flatter 2D shapes into larger, useful 3D objects is very desirable (and smart :)

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Exploring Origami Foldings (comp. aspect)

  • Origami Folding simulations and software make it possible to
    • try various designs fast, and change/iterate on different patterns, as well as
    • simulate different material properties (e.g. strength, flexibility, durability, etc.)

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Demo: Folding Simulator (Fractal Grower) (Utils folder)

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Simulators are very helpful, because

if you can simulate it, it may be doable/buildable, BUT

If it’s not simulatable, it will not be doable/buildable

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Positive aspects (“why it is good”)

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  • This technique can create new opportunities to use materials and solutions in innovative ways in the fields of
    • medicine
    • space exploration and colonization
    • rescue missions and help expeditions

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  • We can learn from it about miniaturization and transformations, which can help with creative solutions in
    • nano-technology, nano-materials, and the bio-industry

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Negative aspects (“why it is bad”)

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  • Like any “technology” this can be used for destructive purposes, like
    • terrorism and illegal/stealth operations

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  • The technique is susceptible to material failures and weaknesses, which can harm people if it fails

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My opinion

  • I think that the ability to create useful 3D shapes and solutions from 2D materials expands the places we can reach, and things we can do with existing materials and resources, which promotes environmental friendliness and innovation, for the benefit of humankind.
  • As with many technologies, we have to be careful about malicious use.

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Resources

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