  A new paradigm called physical reservoir computing has recently emerged,
where the nonlinear dynamics of high-dimensional and fixed physical systems are
harnessed as a computational resource to achieve complex tasks. Via extensive
simulations based on a dynamic truss-frame model, this study shows that an
origami structure can perform as a dynamic reservoir with sufficient computing
power to emulate high-order nonlinear systems, generate stable limit cycles,
and modulate outputs according to dynamic inputs. This study also uncovers the
linkages between the origami reservoir's physical designs and its computing
power, offering a guideline to optimize the computing performance.
Comprehensive parametric studies show that selecting optimal feedback crease
distribution and fine-tuning the underlying origami folding designs are the
most effective approach to improve computing performance. Furthermore, this
study shows how origami's physical reservoir computing power can apply to soft
robotic control problems by a case study of earthworm-like peristaltic crawling
without traditional controllers. These results can pave the way for
origami-based robots with embodied mechanical intelligence.
