Georgia Tech’s Engineering Program to Improve Sustainable Manufacturing

Georgia Tech’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering is rolling out a new program to teach students new methods of industrial manufacturing, inspired by the Japanese art of origami.

The school is partnering with Stockholm-based startup Stilfold for the initiative, that’s hoped to provide new methods of sustainable manufacturing.

Stilfold’s technology uses robots to fold and curve materials to create a structure, in a technique it calls “industrial origami.”

The tech has already been deployed in the automotive industry to construct a lightweight electric motorcycle called the Stilride 1, as well as in the world’s first climate-neutral car in partnership with Polestar.

Under the collaboration, Stilfold will bring its method to the classroom, introducing Georgia Tech students to its technologies and allowing them real-life experience in using it.

“This collaboration represents an exciting opportunity for us to work closely with a leading educational institution to help develop the skills and knowledge of the next generation of engineers,” said Jonas Nyvang, Stilfold’s CEO. “We look forward to working with Georgia Tech’s staff and its brightest young minds to break exciting new ground and showcase the value of innovation and entrepreneurship when it comes to building a greener future for industry and our planet.”

Stilfold is expected to start working with the Origami Engineering program this fall.

“This initiative will provide our students with hands-on experience with advanced technology, cutting-edge structural engineering, and sustainable manufacturing,” said Lauren Stewart,  director of Georgia Tech’s structural engineering and materials laboratory. “We…look forward to exploring new innovations and technologies that will keep us at the forefront of the field.”