It is wonderful where art and science work together. I particularly find this exciting reading where scientists have been inspired by Japanese origami to solve the problem of creating moving parts for micro-robots to help in medicine.
This caught my eye as I had looked at the work of illustrator Sara Paglia so the paper birds in the science article appear instantly familiar. Below is the work by Sara shown again:-
Here is the BBC webpage explaining how scientists have created the tiniest of robots. Their work started in 2D, then the designing of the legs was inspired by the Japanese paper folding art. So the front and back legs fold up under the robot. Little voltages applied to the legs make them bend and drive the robot forward.
Here are the robots showing two front legs where you can see they are angularly shaped like the Japanese folds:-
It demonstrates how such an ancient art is relevant today and how it can potentially help mankind through problem solving and linking in with science.
Reference: BBC worldservice – digital planet.
Adelaide Art 