# 313: Where the Paper Knows It Needs to Fold

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2019-12-13
- Length: 1h 20m
- Episode: 313
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold

## Summary

Robert J. Lang, an origami artist and consultant with a background in semiconductor lasers, discusses the intersection of art, mathematics, and engineering. He explains how mathematical methods like circle packing and curved folding enable complex designs, while laser cutters provide the precision needed for curved creases. Lang details his transition from a laser industry career to full-time origami, highlighting his books 'Origami Design Secrets' and 'Twists, Tilings, and Tessellations' as resources for understanding the geometry of folding.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=6) Introduction: Robert J. Lang and his background in lasers and origami
- [4:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=277) The evolution of semiconductor lasers and Lang's career shift
- [12:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=750) Origami consulting for government and private sector applications
- [16:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=970) Mathematical design methods: Circle packing and the bookworm analogy
- [20:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=1254) Software tools: Tree Maker, Reference Finder, and Tesalatica
- [24:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=1447) Using laser cutters for precision in curved and precreased folding
- [35:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=2105) Books: 'Origami Design Secrets' and 'Twists, Tilings, and Tessellations'
- [43:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=2636) Common beginner mistakes and the importance of slowing down
- [53:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=3188) Wet folding techniques for thick and thin papers
- [1:04:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-12-13-313-where-the-paper-knows-it-needs-to-fold#t=3846) Action models, rigid foldability, and mechanical engineering applications

## Topics

- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Robert J. Lang (other)
- Origami Design Secrets (other)
- Twists, Tilings, and Tessellations (other)
- Origamizer (other)
- Tree Maker (other)
- Reference Finder (other)
- Tesalatica (other)
- Tomohiro Tachi (other)
- Eric Demaine (other)
- Tomoko Fuse (other)
- Jeremy Shafer (other)
- Michael LaFoss (other)
- Richard Alexander (other)
- Origami Dough (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep008: The Art Episode: Joe Kim, Strings And CRTs, Hydrogen Done 2-Ways](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2019-03-01-ep008-the-art-episode-joe-kim-strings-and-crts-hydrogen-done-2-ways) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 292: Stainless Steel Benchies, Lego Turing Machines, and a Digital Camera Made of Pure DIY](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-10-11-ep-292-stainless-steel-benchies-lego-turing-machines-and-a-digital-camera-made-o) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Episode 153: Origami-inspired robots - Chenying Liu](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu) (Robot Talk)
- [Ep 356: Nanoprinting, Vibe Coding, and Keebin' with Kristina, IN HELL!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-02-06-ep-356-nanoprinting-vibe-coding-and-keebin-with-kristina-in-hell) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Matt Perez | Being Able to Explain What You’re Doing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-05-13-matt-perez-being-able-to-explain-what-youre-doing) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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