Origami Robots: Design, Actuation, and 3D Printing Methods

AbstractTraditional robots, with their rigid structures and precise mechanical designs, have proven invaluable in industrial automation and structured environments but face challenges in dynamic and unstructured scenarios. Soft robots, composed of low‐stiffness materials, offer adaptability and flexibility, making them ideal for applications like locomotion and minimally invasive surgery. However, their low load capacity and limited precision hinder their broader adoption. Origami robots emerge as a promising hybrid solution, combining the mechanical strength and precision of rigid robots with the adaptability and reconfigurability of soft robots. Leveraging the principles of origami, these robots employ rigid panels interconnected by flexible hinges, allowing for complex motions, structural transformations, and scalable designs while maintaining mechanical integrity. Traditional fabrication methods for origami robots, such as laser cutting and manual folding, limit their complexity and integration potential. However, advancements in 3D printing technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Direct Ink Writing (DIW), Polyjet, and Two‐Photon Polymerization (TPP), enable the creation of intricate geometries and multimaterial structures, significantly enhancing performance and broadening application domains. This review examines recent progress in origami robotic systems, focusing on their design, actuation mechanisms, fabrication techniques, and diverse applications, and concludes with future perspectives on leveraging advanced materials and manufacturing to drive innovation in the field.