FIU to establish centre for origami antennas
The US Air Force Office of Scientific Research has awarded a $4.8 million grant to Florida International University (FIU) to launch the Center for Physically Reconfigurable and Deployable Multifunctional Antennas.
The centre aims to develop innovative and advanced origami-based antenna technologies for next-generation air force and Department of Defense systems.
Specifically, the centre will use geometric origami, computational design methods and novel materials to enable the development of antennas that can change their shape to dynamically adapt to varying operating conditions, as well as antennas that can be compactly stowed, easily collapsed and quickly deployed.
These antennas will provide advanced electromagnetic and mechanical performance to aerospace systems and will also increase the agility of soldiers and ground personnel in the battlefield.
Origami electromagnetic systems are inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding and include reconfigurable, foldable and deployable multifunctional antennas and antenna arrays, adaptable 'smart skins' for communication and sensing, and compact/collapsible wearable antennas.
The centre is also planning to establish partnerships and collaborations with the government and private companies in industry to become a research and development hub that will focus on discovering cutting-edge antenna technologies.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
