Programmable matter

[Sam Fraser]

Programmable matter is a material whose properties can be programmed to achieve specific shapes or stiffnesses upon command. This concept requires constituent elements to interact and rearrange intelligently in order to meet the goal. ... This approach exploits a single sheet composed of interconnected triangular sections. The sheet is able to fold into a set of predetermined shapes using embedded actuation.

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2010/06/24/0914069107

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZf3lo-16wQ&

Definitely early days, but there's gotta be a use for this in space.