Inspired by the paper-folding art of origami, North Carolina State University engineers have discovered a way to make a single plastic cubed structure transform into more than 1,000 configurations using only three active motors. The findings could pave the way for shape-shifting artificial systems that can take on multiple functions and even carry a load—like versatile robotic structures used in space, for example.
Shape-shifting ‘transformer bots’ inspired by origami
