Publication
Programmable Matter by Folding
AbstractProgrammable matter is a material whose properties can be programmed to achieve specific shapes or stiffnesses upon command. This concept requires constituent elements to interact and rearrange intelligently in order to meet the goal. This paper considers achieving programmable sheets that can form themselves in different shapes autonomously by folding. Past approaches to creating transforming machines have been limited by the small feature sizes, the large number of components, and the associated complexity of communication among the units. We seek to mitigate these difficulties through the unique concept of self-folding origami with universal crease patterns. This approach exploits a single sheet composed of interconnected triangular sections. The sheet is able to fold into a set of predetermined shapes using embedded actuation. To implement this self-folding origami concept, we have developed a scalable end-to-end planning and fabrication process. Given a set of desired objects, the system computes an optimized design for a single sheet and multiple controllers to achieve each of the desired objects. The material, called programmable matter by folding, is an example of a system capable of achieving multiple shapes for multiple functions.
Download publicationRelated Resources
See what’s new.
2012
Swift: Reducing the Effects of Latency in Online Video ScrubbingWe first conduct a study using abstracted video content to measure the…
2018
Hybrid Finite Element-Geometric Forming Simulation of Composite MaterialsComputer simulations can extensively help engineers to gain a better…
2014
Swipeboard: A Text Entry Technique for Ultra-Small Devices That Supports Novice to Expert TransitionsUltra-small smart devices, such as smart watches, have become…
2015
A Novel Application of Gamification for Collecting High-Level Design InformationThis paper presents a novel application of gamification for collecting…
Get in touch
Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact us