Japanese Company Shows Off The World’s First Paper Robot and Cool Cardboard Animals at ICFF

Here at Inhabitat, we've seen some pretty innovative designs made from paper, including this super slim <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-interactive-paper-computer-promises-to-reinvent-the-digital-world/">paper computer</a> and these crazy <a href="http://inhabitat.com/super-intricate-cardboard-columns-16-million-facets/"> columns made from cardboard</a>. But we can honestly say that the three dimensional paperboard robot we saw this week at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair was something we'd never seen before - probably because it's the first of its kind in the world. Conceived and produced by Japanese company <a href="http://www.wtv.co.jp/">Aki</a>, the female-figured robot wowed us with its graceful movements - and the booth's giant yellow giraffe, pinks pigs and other 3D cardboard sculptures had us intrigued as well.

Aki produces the cardboard figures as part of its D-Torso line.

Here at Inhabitat, we've seen some pretty innovative designs made from paper, including this super slim <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-interactive-paper-computer-promises-to-reinvent-the-digital-world/">paper computer</a> and these crazy <a href="http://inhabitat.com/super-intricate-cardboard-columns-16-million-facets/"> columns made from cardboard</a>. But we can honestly say that the three dimensional paperboard robot we saw this week at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair was something we'd never seen before - probably because it's the first of its kind in the world. Conceived and produced by Japanese company <a href="http://www.wtv.co.jp/">Aki</a>, the female-figured robot wowed us with its graceful movements - and the booth's giant yellow giraffe, pinks pigs and other 3D cardboard sculptures had us intrigued as well.

The models are created by dividing each 3D figure into horizontal data slices and then cutting each layer out of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/packed-pavilion-constructed-completely-from-cardboard/">cardboard</a>.

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The method is quick, easily scalable and results in products that are much lighter to ship and more cost effective than if the same objects were to be produced using metal, wood or even plastic.

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Some of our favorite pieces in the booth, besides the robot, were the towering yellow giraffe.

A closer look at the giraffe.

An adorable mini version of the the giraffe.

These tiny cardboard cats struck our fancy too.

<a href="http://www.wtv.co.jp/">Aki</a> also makes unique packaging using the same method, including an adorable penguin-shaped wine holder.

...And a cute pig-shaped package to hold gifts.

The cardboard is fully recyclable, and we think it may also be recycled (we've contacted Aki to verify), making these delightful paper sculptures an environmentally friendly option.

A cute cardboard bunny.

The designs can also be cut from patterned paper, making it easily customizable.