Automatic Origami

This video from New Scientist demonstrates some amazing self-unfolding origami.

https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv/2011/05/micro-origami-unfolds-in-water.html

In the video, a carefully folded-up piece of paper is placed on the surface of the water.  As the creases in the paper absorb the water, they start to expand, causing the shape to unfold.

As each subsequent layer unfolds and hits the water, the process repeats, until the shape is completely unfurled.  It’s interesting to consider the potential applications of this process.  An origami life boat, perhaps?

Yet another amazing way to have fun with folding!