Revolutionary Kirigami Parachute Could Save Lives in Humanitarian Aid Drops
French researcher Sophie Ramananarivo, in collaboration with Frederick Gosselin, has developed a revolutionary drone parachute using the ancient art of kirigami. This innovation could significantly enhance safety in humanitarian aid drops, following a tragic incident in Gaza in 2024.
Kirigami, originating in China and popularized in Japan, involves cutting paper to create intricate designs. Ramananarivo and Gosselin have adapted this art to create a unique drone parachute made of plastic or cardboard, perforated with precise holes. This metamaterial modifies the behavior of the sheet, changing wave propagation and enabling predictable deployment.
The drone parachute can be cut easily and cheaply using a die, and can be folded by a robot for consistent deployment. Unlike traditional fabric parachutes, it doesn't require complex string arrangements. A group from Polytechnique Montreal has successfully tested this kirigami-based drone parachute, safely landing an egg from a drone and the third floor of their building.
The drone parachute offers a safer, more predictable alternative to traditional parachutes. With further development and testing, it could potentially save lives in critical situations, such as humanitarian aid drops. Other applications of metamaterials, like structured speakers and flexible electronics, also show promise in various industries.
