# Mini Origami Robots These Self-Folding Robots are Multi-Talented Machines By Ady Floyd | Published 2015-06-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selffolding-robots References: [thisiscolossal](http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/06/mit-origami-robot/) & [spectrum.ieee.org](http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/origami-robot-folds-itself-up-does-cool-stuff-dissolves-into-nothing) [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot) scientists just created self-folding robots measuring 1.7 centimeters. They look like an incredibly compact origami sculpture and are self-assembled. They are called 'Untethered Miniature Origami Robots,' which are powered by a neodymium magnet and four electromagnetic coils. These powerful and intelligent little self-folding robots can complete many tasks such as carrying items, walking upward on a hill, digging or burrowing and even going for a swim. The robots will completely dissolve in an acetone solution. Once inside the solution, the only thing that will be left behind is the magnet. The goal is to continue working with these robots and eventually make them smaller and contain abilities to aid in medical progression such as [surgery and internal diagnosis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woxsen-university). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-folding Robots:** The development of this technology creates opportunities for the creation of more efficient and adaptable robotics systems in industries that require automation. - **Miniature Robotics:** The miniaturization of robotics enables new applications and use-cases in industries that require smaller more adaptable devices. - **Biodegradable Robotics:** The development of biodegradable robotics provides opportunities for environmentally friendly solutions in industries such as medicine and manufacturing. ### Who This Affects Most - **Manufacturing:** The self-folding robotics technology can help automate and improve production processes in manufacturing plants. - **Healthcare:** The mini origami robots present potential for medical advancements such as surgery and internal diagnosis. - **Environmental Science:** The development of biodegradable robotics provides opportunities for environmentally friendly solutions in industries such as waste management and environmental cleanup. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Zero-Gravity Robotic Cubes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrovoxel.md) - [Self-Replicating Living Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xenobots.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md) - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Diminutive Bipedal Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bipedal-robots.md) - [Blood Clot-Relieving Millirobots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millirobot.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md)