Non-Euclidean Sheets - From Growing Leaves to Self-Morphing Architecture and to Locomotion

I will review the growing scientific field of non-Euclidean sheets, known also as "Self-Morphing". This field suggests theoretical framework and manufacturing approaches that allow the constructions of flat thin sheets of material that, upon induction, shape themselves into desired three-dimensional configurations, much like the way natural growing sheets shape themselves. I will suggest a new way to look at solid sheets – not as passive entities, but as programmable active surfaces and will review the up to date research achievements. I will then focus on two projects: In the first project we study a new way of dynamics – curvature driven locomotion. The second project aims at manifesting the principles of self-morphing in large scale, industrial materials. We develop the basic technique for the construction of flat architectural elements that, upon induction, shape themselves into a desired shape, saving the expensive and wasteful usage of molds.