Stilfold to deliver metal folding machine to Georgia Tech

Stilfold has sold its first “industrial origami” metal folding machine in a deal with Georgia Tech’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The technology involves the use of a robotic cell and computational design software to fold flat sheet metal over curves to create complex, light, sustainable structures using minimal component parts.

At Georgia Tech, the machine will be used for education and innovation purposes. Students will be able to use the technology to design and build work on-site as part of the school’s origami engineering program.

The company has been gearing up to make its patented manufacturing software and hardware available to designers, architects, manufacturers, and engineers since it announced its plans to commercialize the technology in 2022. In May 2023, Stilfold was granted a Swedish patent that covers the core robotic hardware, as well as the proprietary software that enables designers to create folding instructions for 3D shapes. The company also has received a European patent for its origami-inspired method for curve-folding, its robotics machine, and its proprietary design software.