From folding to robots: textiles are becoming ‘intelligent’

Active textiles that change shape autonomously or react to environmental influences – it sounds like science fiction, but it is already a reality. The combination of origami design, 4D textiles (time-dependent shape changes) and additive manufacturing gives rise to ‘intelligent’ materials. In the Summer School, participants learn how to combine textile substrates with printed structures to generate complex movement patterns.

The programme guides students through the entire innovation cycle:

• Fundamental knowledge: Experts from the ITA and international guests teach the mathematical principles of origami design, the physics of 4D textiles and the properties of textile substrates.
  

• Practical skills: Hands-on training in origami techniques and structural design – including 3D printing directly onto textiles. From digital modelling in CAD software to operating machinery.
  

• Prototyping: Working in interdisciplinary teams, students develop their own concepts – such as a robotic gripper, an interactive garment or bespoke applications in the fields of medicine, architecture or wearables.

A particular highlight: the combination of traditional origami with state-of-the-art additive manufacturing. Participants first fold paper models to understand geometric principles, and then translate these structures into digital 3D models. These are ultimately printed onto textile materials – a process that combines creativity with engineering precision.

International expertise meets RWTH innovation

The programme includes:

• Ordine Lang (origami artist): She will present the mathematical foundations of folding and demonstrate how origami principles can be applied to technical applications.
  

• Dr Jingyi Yang (SIMTech, Singapore): The expert in 4D textiles and programmable materials brings international perspectives to the Summer School.
  

“The combination of origami and 3D printing opens up entirely new possibilities for textile structures,” explains Zhen Danchen, a researcher at the ITA. “We see potential here for applications in robotics, medicine or even fashion – and that is precisely what we want to convey to the students.”