japanese designer nendo just unveiled his latest creation: an electronic paper that rolls itself up into a working torch. developed using AgIC’s flexible circuits in collaboration with TAKEO — a japanese paper distributor — ‘paper torch’ works by printing its electronic circuit boards onto paper, films and cloth using silver particle ink. the result is a minimalist lighting piece that can be used as a torch, and as pendant and desk lamps.

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
nendo paper torch rolls itself up into a working lighting device
all images by akihiro yoshida

 

 

the paper torch by nendo has circuits on both sides of the paper that were printed with a checker pattern. two button cells and seven LEDs were glued on with conductive adhesive while the resistance was changed by varying the path length of each LED. this detail allows the user to control the lighting by how tight the paper is rolled. the longer the path, the higher the resistance; conversely, the shorter the earth the lower the resistance. this means that light becomes dimmer when you roll the lamp loosely, and brighter when it has been tightly rolled.

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
‘paper torch’ works by printing its electronic circuit boards onto paper, films and cloth using silver particle ink

 

 

‘after testis various types of paper, we selected YUPO paper by TAKEO that is used in ballot paper for elections,’ says nendo. ‘with YUPO paper, ink sits evenly and the smooth surface ensures the ink and paper can be rounded with minimal force, and are less likely to curl. the paper is also hard-wearing, water resistant and therefore also suitable for industrial applications.’

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
the paper torch by nendo has circuits on both sides of the paper, printed with a checker pattern

 

 

users can also experience two different types of color temperature: warm and cold. this is possible thanks to the LEDs characteristics that change color while touching the paper. when the paper is wrapped with the surface adhered to the LED facing upwards, the light turns into a warm orange color. when the paper is rolled inside out, the light turns into a white color. furthermore, when pushed through a stand with rings attached to the end, it can also be used as a simple desk lamp. many different applications are possible in the near future such as emergency use and disaster prevention.

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
two button cells and seven LEDs were glued on with conductive adhesive

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
the resistance was changed by varying the path length of each LED

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
the rolled paper lamp can be hanged

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
different applications are possible in the near future such as emergency use and disaster prevention

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
users can also experience two different types of color temperature: warm and cold

nendo paper torch folds itself into a lamp designboom
when the paper is rolled inside out, the light turns into a white color and vice versa

nendo's paper torch is an electronic paper that rolls itself up into a lamp
sketch by nendo