Method of manufacturing a remote-controlled micro-scale three-dimensional self-assembly

A method of manufacturing a 3D micro-scale structure, the method comprising:

• providing a 2D net including a plurality of panels, a plurality of hinges and at least one transition body, wherein the panels are arranged in a pattern, and further wherein respective ones of the hinges extend between and interconnect immediately adjacent ones of the panels within the pattern;
• powering an energy source remote from the 2D net to deliver energy to the 2D net and trigger the 2D net to self-fold into a 3D micro-scale structure;
• wherein the delivered energy creates an eddy current within the at least one transition body;
• wherein the eddy current generates heat at the at least one transition body sufficient to melt at least one of the plurality of hinges while each of the plurality of panels remains rigid;
• wherein the at least one melting hinge causes the corresponding panels associated with the at least one melting hinge to fold relative to one another;
• wherein the plurality of hinges includes a first hinge and a second hinge, the first hinge being apart from the second hinge and interconnecting a pair of the panels differing from a pair of the panels interconnected by the second hinge,
• wherein the at least one transition body includes a first transition body in direct contact with the first hinge and a second transition body in direct contact with the second hinge;
• and
• wherein the step of powering includes generating heat at the first transition body differing from heat generated at the second transition body.