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Programmable Origami
sciencehabit sends this snip from Science Magazine, with included video: "Researchers have created flat sheets of composite material that can fold themselves into toy boats, tents, and even paper airplanes. Based on the ancient art of origami, the sheets are edged by foil actuators — thin, solid-state motors — that contract or expand when they receive an electric current from flexible electronic circuits embedded in the sheets. After they achieve their preprogrammed shape, the sheets are held in place by tiny magnets on the edges of the fold joints. Researchers say the technology could be scaled up to create ultra-portable tripods or even cups that automatically adjust to the size of liquid being poured into them."
Cool stuff!
-Todd
Omne ignotum pro magnifico.
As an origamist with an interest in nanotechnology, I could see a few EXTREMELY useful applications for this. I heard it said once that scientists were testing the idea that nano-switches for computer chips could be folded from nano-sheets of metal. Imagine a computer with hardware that literally reforms its self to accomplish new tasks on the fly. Given, programming it would be about the most difficult thing to accomplish, but it would still be a fun toy to play with...
OMG!
A self adjusting drinking cup!
If I had a nickel for every time I had a cup that was too big or too small for what I wanted to pour into it, I could fund the research on this project myself. Oh, and an ultra-light weight tripod!
This will be awesome! Surely the greatest thing since sliced bread!
Seriously though, couldn't they dream up some future use examples that were a bit more practical? Is there really a demand for light weight tripods and self adjusting drinking cups?
You keep using that word.
I do not think it means what you think it means.
But what language do you use to program a blank sheet of paper?
I can guess...
"This algorithm runs in constant time. Come on, 2,147,483,648 is a constant..."
This will be how we make the first self-erecting buildings of our Moon base , with no astronauts present until they are ready for occupation. Also it will be how our explorers on Mars carry their emergency shelters, for when they have to wait to be rescued after digging their rover into a sandpit.
"Cock Up Your Beaver" does not mean what you think. This sig is intended to clog filters and annoy do-gooders
Well it sounds feasible on paper.
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."