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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."
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.