STILRIDE introduces 3D printing to “industrial origami” manufacturing arsenal

STILRIDE, the Swedish startup known for its origami-inspired approach to electromobility design and manufacturing, is partnering with French-Swedish robotics company ADAXIS to introduce 3D printing capabilities to its suite of sustainable manufacturing tech.

STILRIDE’s technology, called STILFOLD, involves the use of robotic arms to fold steel over curves to form light and strong new structures, using minimal component parts. The technology is currently being used to build the chassis of a sustainable steel electric motorbike called the Sport Utility Scooter One (SUS1) which is built using 70% fewer components than traditional plastic models.

STILRIDE has had to source several component parts for the SUS1’s early prototypes such as hinges, fenders, and side covers from external suppliers. These are parts STILRIDE’s engineers couldn’t create using STILFOLD technology.

The partnership with ADAXIS means STILRIDE will produce a number of these components using additive manufacturing (AM). ADAXIS’s software enables engineers to program a robotic arm to 3D print large and complex steel, plastic, composite, and concrete parts quickly, while significantly reducing costs and material waste. Damaged parts can also be repaired efficiently using the same technology.

The technology will simplify the production process for STILRIDE’s first e-motorbike, bring additional robot-powered manufacturing capabilities in-house, and further improve the material efficiency of each bike.

The partnership also brings powerful new AM capabilities to STILRIDE’s existing suite of manufacturing technology, which will eventually be made available to designers and manufacturers who wish to license it to build their own work.

The STILFOLD technology is being used by Polestar to develop the world’s first climate neutral car; and by Swedish space innovation agency I.S.A.A.C to explore how curve folding could be used for construction in outer space.

“We’re excited to be working with fellow Swedish tech innovators ADAXIS to enhance our sustainable manufacturing technology offering,” says Jonas Nvyang, CEO and co-founder at STILRIDE. “The team at ADAXIS has a huge amount of knowledge and experience in robotics and optimizing robotic construction, so it’s great to have them on board to strengthen the capabilities of our tech. Not only will their technology improve the sustainability, speed, and cost-efficiency of producing the SUS1, but it will also help us reach our ultimate goal of rolling out a fully distributed production model where the construction of our products can be fully automated, powered by robotics technology.”

“Using robotization we can push the limits of what can be manufactured using 3D technology, both in terms of size and shape,” says Emil Johansson, co-founder at ADAXIS. “The challenge is that programming robots for 3D is significantly more advanced and complex than for normal welding jobs. Our goal is to speed up the manufacturing process and make it more intuitive, even when it comes to complex projects, so that everyone can benefit from this technology. We’re excited to partner with STILRIDE to supercharge their origami-inspired manufacturing technology with 3D printing capabilities and enable them to maximize the potential for robotic automation to speed up and simplify the way they manufacture.”