Self-Folding Surfaces

The Self-Folding Sheets prototypes demonstrate 2D to 3D self-reconfiguration with embedded folding instructions and passive energy input. Various energy sources and mechanisms have been tested from mechanical latching, magnetics to elastic systems. A variety of 3D structures have been tested and demonstrate self-reconfiguration from standard 2D sheets. The vision of this research is to create universal flat sheets that can self-assemble into rigid 3D structures with random external energy, rather than guided folding strategies. Future applications look to expand the possible range of 3D shapes and increase the scale of self-assembly for larger architectural structures.