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.
2024
Autodesk Research Unveils Project Bernini for Generative AI 3D Shape CreationProject Bernini is a research effort focused on developing generative…
2004
Keeping Your Distance: Remote Usability Testing or the Lab – which is best?Link to Publication: http://uxpamagazine…
2021
Inferring CAD Modeling Sequences using Zone GraphsIn computer-aided design (CAD), the ability to “reverse engineer” the…
2013
Patina: Smart Heatmaps for Visualizing Application UsageWe present Patina, an application independent system 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