Robert Lang

Origami Artist and Theorist

Computational Origami
16 minutes, 7.4mb, recorded 2005-08-04
Topics: Open Source
Robert Lang
The last decade of the twentieth century saw a revolution in the development and application of mathematical techniques to origami. Robert J. Lang describes how geometric concepts have led to the computer solution of a broad class of origami folding challenges and, as a consequence, enabled origami designs of astonishing complexity and realism to be developed.

As often happens in mathematics, a theory originally developed for its own aesthetic value has led to some surprising practical applications. In addition, it has shed light on long-standing mathematical questions and solved practical engineering problems. Lang gives examples of how origami has enabled safer airbags, Brobdingnagian space telescopes, and more.


Robert J. Lang is recognized as one of the world’s leading masters of the art of origami and its scientific and technological applications. He is noted for designs of great detail and realism, and includes in his repertoire some of the most complex origami designs ever created.

Robert has consulted on the application of origami to engineering problems including medical devices, air-bag design, and expandable space telescopes. He is the author or co-author of eight books and numerous articles on origami and is a regular lecturer on the connections between origami, mathematics, science, and technology.

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