Origami inspires creation of real-life Transformers

A real-life Transformer has been created by scientists inspired by the Japanese paper-folding art of origami.

In tests, the small shape- changing robot folded itself into a functional machine that could walk and turn without human help.

But unlike Transformers toys — robots that disguise themselves as cars and trucks — the device is not aimed at children. Experts believe the assembly system could provide a cheap way to mass-produce robots with multiple applications.