September 2023 PMID 37703382

Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers.

Kyle Johnson, Vicente Arroyos, Amélie Ferran, Raul Villanueva, Dennis Yin, Tilboon Elberier, Alberto Aliseda, Sawyer Fuller, Vikram Iyer, Shyamnath Gollakota

Mentions

122
Peak: 35 in Sep 2023
across 5 sources since Sep 2023

Extended reach

22,835,727
potential audience

Total likes

549

Video views

6,398

Mentions per month

Sep 2023 – Apr 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News58 articles
  • X / Twitter53 posts
  • Blogs6 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions demonstrate strong support and fascination with the microfliers' ability to change shape midair, as seen in phrases like 'supports more effective collection' and 'supports collection and transmission of environmental data.' The tone is enthusiastic, with users emphasizing the innovative, battery-free, solar-powered design as a game-changing advancement in robotics and environmental sensing.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions directly praise or support the research, highlighting its innovative design and potential benefits.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high curiosity and enthusiasm, with mentions of specific features like shape-changing capabilities and environmental data collection.

EngagementModerate engagement

Users are engaging by sharing summaries, linking to additional sources, and emphasizing the applications and potential of these microfliers.

ImpactHigh impact

Many believe the technology could significantly improve environmental monitoring and robotics, emphasizing its transformative potential.

Abstract in brief

  • The researchers developed battery-free origami microfliers that can change shape midair to control how they disperse in the wind, helping with large-scale sensor deployment.
  • These microfliers use bistable leafout structures that, when unfolded, tumble more and drift farther, while folded, stabilize and descend directly downward; they can switch shapes electronically using a solar-powered electromagnetic actuator.
  • Equipped with onboard sensors, a microcontroller, and Bluetooth, the 414-milligram microfliers can travel nearly 98 meters in light breeze and transmit data wirelessly up to 60 meters, all powered solely by solar energy.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/kp2U0YxydK https://t.co/OK2ano2ZQ5

Oct 9, 2023 · 39 likes · 4 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/qLmXF2nFXI https://t.co/Jh7sk1vP4X

Oct 5, 2023 · 37 likes · 4 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/0b93HXnLxt https://t.co/q9fX28EnJo

Sep 20, 2023 · 35 likes · 7 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports more effective collection and transmission of environmental data. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/t2T9OTQy2L #OrigamiDay https://t.co/aaFs9fSOFl

Nov 11, 2023 · 22 likes · 1 share · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/1g19QL4TjN https://t.co/wtnSuyJXUT

Sep 18, 2023 · 21 likes · 6 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Science Robotics
@SciRobotics · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/P9gkdcoJvh https://t.co/yza6th9Nl3

Sep 18, 2023 · 21 likes · 4 shares · 27,672 followers View post →

All mentions

3:15
@JNpEfxxHwWPu4EM · X

https://t.co/qK7nJ3uKXO

Feb 13, 2024 · 19 followers View post →
newsoftheworld
@newsoft53759560 · X

Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers | Science Robotics https://t.co/A4MYMpZYS2

Nov 13, 2023 · 748 followers View post →
Eveline Ruehlin
@enilev · X

RT @chidambara09: https://t.co/3Zu1LUqWIj A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports

Nov 12, 2023 · 3 shares · 16,367 followers View post →
Tony Moroney
@BetaMoroney · X

RT @chidambara09: https://t.co/3Zu1LUqWIj A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports

Nov 12, 2023 · 3 shares · 14,274 followers View post →
Chidambara .ML.
@chidambara09 · X

RT @chidambara09: https://t.co/3Zu1LUqWIj A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports

Nov 12, 2023 · 3 shares · 11,722 followers View post →
Chidambara .ML.
@chidambara09 · X

https://t.co/3Zu1LUqWIj A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports

Nov 12, 2023 · 2 likes · 3 shares · 11,722 followers View post →
Maria & Carol Los
@terpsichore_los · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports more effective collection and transmission of envir…

Nov 11, 2023 · 1 share · 3,168 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports more effective collection and transmission of environmental data. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/t2T9OTQy2L #OrigamiDay https://t.co/aaFs9fSOFl

Nov 11, 2023 · 22 likes · 1 share · 4,514,286 followers View post →
JoAnn M. Laing
@NewsRobotics · X

Battery-free #microfliers that can change shape in mid-air to vary their dispersal distance. Using wind to disperse microfliers can help automate large-scale #sensor deployments. https://t.co/wTluNsx6lx

Oct 12, 2023 · 186 followers View post →
CitizenoftheWorld
@CitizenoftheWo4 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 9, 2023 · 4 shares · 6,039 followers View post →
JuanMatias-CreadorNarradorVisual
@JNarradorVisual · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 9, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,215 followers View post →
Tia
@TFerrandino · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 9, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,092 followers View post →
Older Pen
@Meredithnmid · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 9, 2023 · 4 shares · 661 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/kp2U0YxydK https://t.co/OK2ano2ZQ5

Oct 9, 2023 · 39 likes · 4 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Lucy
@Lucy74513180 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 5, 2023 · 4 shares · 406 followers View post →
ディープ5インパクト
@ChI5lFUIHBtcTa1 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, glidi…

Oct 5, 2023 · 4 shares · 577 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. Learn more in @SciRobotics: https://t.co/qLmXF2nFXI https://t.co/Jh7sk1vP4X

Oct 5, 2023 · 37 likes · 4 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Physical Geography BHARATVARSH
@PhysicalGeogIN · X

RT @SciRobotics: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding a…

Oct 3, 2023 · 1 share · 1,054 followers View post →
Science Robotics
@SciRobotics · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/dRz3bX3Ra1 https://t.co/vfSGUW8jG7

Oct 3, 2023 · 5 likes · 1 share · 27,672 followers View post →
Carlo Fanciulli
@CarloFanciulli · X

Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers | Science Robotics https://t.co/nIET692wDw

Oct 3, 2023 · 7 likes · 25 followers View post →
Glory Dey
@GloryDey1 · X

RT @TechXplore_com: Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air @SciRobotics https://t.co/0BhWhKcgE5 https://t.co/fZ7Bw2BFrX

Sep 25, 2023 · 2 shares · 1,534 followers View post →
Sato Takaaki/佐藤隆明
@satotakaaki · X

RT @iw_toshiki: 【電源不要の折り紙フライヤー】 ワシントン大学(@uw_ece)の研究チームはドローンなどから投下した際に折り畳まれた状態に「スナッピング」することで空中での動き方を変えることができるバッテリー不要の折り紙ベース小型ロボット「マイクロフライヤー」…

Sep 25, 2023 · 1 share · 30 followers View post →
Iwahori Toshiki
@iw_toshiki · X

【電源不要の折り紙フライヤー】 ワシントン大学(@uw_ece)の研究チームはドローンなどから投下した際に折り畳まれた状態に「スナッピング」することで空中での動き方を変えることができるバッテリー不要の折り紙ベース小型ロボット「マイクロフライヤー」を開発。#ロボット https://t.co/82UTmcF9Yd https://t.co/msb9pNK81i

Sep 24, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 9,996 followers View post →
Zach Nix
@ZGreenLantern78 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 21, 2023 · 7 shares · 47 followers View post →
john tessandori
@JTessandor56099 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 20, 2023 · 7 shares · 2,299 followers View post →
simonestaiger
@simonestaiger · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 20, 2023 · 7 shares · 2,179 followers View post →
Pierce Acoustics
@Pierceacoustics · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 20, 2023 · 7 shares · 70 followers View post →
Jose Laquidain - masks, vaccines.
@JoseLaquidain · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 20, 2023 · 7 shares · 1,235 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/0b93HXnLxt https://t.co/q9fX28EnJo

Sep 20, 2023 · 35 likes · 7 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Advanced Intelligent Systems
@Advintellsyst · X

RT @ObserveIR: Trending in #Robotics: https://t.co/q8RNrZcToi 1) Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers (@SciRobotics) 2) Reach…

Sep 20, 2023 · 1 share · 1,492 followers View post →
Fordastika
@Fordastika · X

"Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers"

Sep 20, 2023 · 1,469 followers View post →
Sergey Minaev
@sminaev2015 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 31,447 followers View post →
@thibaut_plisson
@thibaut_plisson · X

RT @SciRobotics: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding a…

Sep 18, 2023 · 4 shares · 407 followers View post →
Joana Beasain
@JoanaBeasain · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 1,128 followers View post →
Mechanical Engineering at UW
@ME_at_UW · X

RT @SciRobotics: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding a…

Sep 18, 2023 · 4 shares · 2,499 followers View post →
Jaroslav Novotný
@novotnyjarosl · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 607 followers View post →
ぷちぐら
@80r6YUQeR7aF4ES · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 197 followers View post →
Klinger Neves
@Kli_Nev · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 3,779 followers View post →
吳冠廷tinger wu
@tingerwu · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data.…

Sep 18, 2023 · 6 shares · 494 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/1g19QL4TjN https://t.co/wtnSuyJXUT

Sep 18, 2023 · 21 likes · 6 shares · 4,514,286 followers View post →
Jaroslav Novotný
@novotnyjarosl · X

RT @SciRobotics: In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding a…

Sep 18, 2023 · 4 shares · 607 followers View post →
Science Robotics
@SciRobotics · X

In outdoor tests, origami-based, solar-powered microfliers dynamically changed shape after dropping from drones, gliding and gathering data on air pressure and temperature during their descent. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/P9gkdcoJvh https://t.co/yza6th9Nl3

Sep 18, 2023 · 21 likes · 4 shares · 27,672 followers View post →
Rajamanickam Antonimuthu
@rajamanickam_a · X

Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air | Solar-power... https://t.co/2xhPg7N6Xm via @YouTube

Sep 16, 2023 · 2,573 followers View post →
OOIR
@ObserveIR · X

Trending in #Robotics: https://t.co/q8RNrZcToi 1) Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers (@SciRobotics) 2) Reaching the limit in autonomous racing 3) Simulation of Topological Quantum Computing with Classical Circuits (@Advintellsyst) 4) Children’s Revising Beliefs https://t.co/nQEHUWZP6q

Sep 16, 2023 · 2 likes · 1 share · 12,144 followers View post →
Zack
@X_VictorZack · X

RT @SciRobotics: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwn…

Sep 14, 2023 · 3 shares · 24 followers View post →
Shyam Gollakota
@ShyamGollakota · X

RT @SciRobotics: A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwn…

Sep 14, 2023 · 3 shares · 839 followers View post →
Science Robotics
@SciRobotics · X

A new design for solar-powered, origami-based microfliers supports collection and transmission of environmental data. @uwnews Learn more in Science #Robotics: https://t.co/9nd6MXcgij https://t.co/R2gmsHbo7L

Sep 14, 2023 · 17 likes · 3 shares · 27,672 followers View post →
Dondi Ligon
@DondiLigon · X

RT @TechXplore_com: Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air @SciRobotics https://t.co/0BhWhKcgE5 https://t.co/fZ7Bw2BFrX

Sep 14, 2023 · 2 shares · 2 followers View post →
Sun5
@55Sun5 · X

Solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers https://t.co/xwHY2hpMdT

Sep 13, 2023 · 1 like · 295 followers View post →
Baris Kasikci
@bariskasikci · X

RT @ShyamGollakota: Excited to share our new Science Robotics paper where we show battery-free micro fliers that use origami to change shap…

Sep 13, 2023 · 1 share · 5,231 followers View post →
Shyam Gollakota
@ShyamGollakota · X

Excited to share our new Science Robotics paper where we show battery-free micro fliers that use origami to change shape in mid-air and control their descent. Paper link: https://t.co/2OrwnLBtmG https://t.co/Fw765lh0wn

Sep 13, 2023 · 15 likes · 1 share · 839 followers View post →
The Solar Move
@TheSolarMove · X

Solar #solar-powered shape-changing origami microfliers - Science https://t.co/ZuRr2VUnw6 https://t.co/XyrCvBVyVk

Sep 13, 2023 · 517 followers View post →
TechXplore
@TechXplore_com · X

Battery-free robots use origami to change shape in mid-air @SciRobotics https://t.co/0BhWhKcgE5 https://t.co/fZ7Bw2BFrX

Sep 13, 2023 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 21,291 followers View post →