Shredder Candy: Robotic Self-Folding Paper

Paper that folds itself: knowing the Japanese, it's probably what they had in mind when they invented origami BUT I DON'T LIKE IT. This is a demonstration of a sheet folding itself into a boat, then a plane. MAKE UP YOUR MIND, DECEPTICON!

Researchers embedded the pre-creased "shape-shifting sheet" with tiny switches and circuitry strips that spring into action when triggered by jolts of electricity, bringing the "origami robot" to life.

"The shape-shifting sheets demonstrate an end-to-end process that is a first step towards making everyday objects whose mechanical properties can be programmed," says project leader Robert Wood.

Interesting -- but can it crumble itself up into a ball and throw itself away? Get it?! Because it belongs with the rest of the trash. YOU WILL NEVER BE A NINJA STAR!

Hit the jump for a video of the paper in action.

Video: 'Origami Robot' Folds Itself Into Paper Airplane [wired]

Thanks to Uncle_FUJ, Eric, Captain_O!, Brad B, Harrison, G, vincent "the robot slayer" p, Tarantula and sammy, who not only would not only throw that bot away, but set the trashcan on fire. That's what I'm talkin' about, guys!

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