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- Lightweight and deployable structures are a key enabling technology in many engineering fields, ranging from aerospace, biomechanics, civil infrastructure, to energy and environments. However, the current materials and structures are often heavy, bulky, prescribed, and deprived of interactions with environments and humans. Our research is directed toward designing, fabricating, and testing novel Transformative Architectures, which can offer unique features, such as
(ⅰ) adaptive and living material-like functionality in the material level;
(ⅱ) lightweight, reconfigurable, and programmable characteristics in the unit cell level; and
(ⅲ) data-driven structural network in the tessellation level (see Figure).
Collectively, such hierarchical and intelligent structures can result in a paradigm shift in material and structural design, showing stark contrasts to conventional material systems whose geometry, properties, and functionalities do not evolve over their lifespan. Such transformative architecture can lead to the development of the next-generation aerospace, biomechanical, and mechanical systems, which would offer versatile, adaptive, tunable performances via human-material/structure interactions.
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Foldable systems for automotive applications 
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- We collaborate with leading automotive companies, including
Hyundai Motor Company and Toyota Research Institute, to develop innovative
foldable structures for automotive applications. Our projects focus on creating
deployable solar panels, doors, and external structures that aim to improve the
energy efficiency, user experience, and safety of contemporary vehicles.
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Origami-based mechanical metamaterials
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- We investigate unique mechanical properties and wave dynamics in origami-based mechanical metamaterials. Their design is guided by sophisticated origami principles, and they are fabricated by advanced additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques. By using these metamaterials, we aim at demonstrating rich physical and mechanical properties unprecedented in conventional systems. Such phenomena can be potentially used for engineering applications, such as vibration filtering, impact mitigation, and energy harvesting.
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Origami structures in virtual outer space
Reality-bending Metamaterials Could Revolutionize Future Spacecraft Designs
Various Applications of Origami Structures
Origami cellular structure made of acrylic plates
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