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.
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