This is not special or impressive. The video shows a triangle sketch following a closed curve, makes matching tangency seem like something special, then fast forwards to flattening the three faces of the resultant shape. It's like...uh... Yeah, so, possible forever, used regularly, what's the biggie?
Does it mean the individual pieces can be forced into a curved surface? Or that the individual pieces will remain flat but can be joined with others in an angle to produce the curve?
In other words I guess my question is can the material itself be non-bendable, as long as its cuttable?
They show comparisons of the best current algorithms to their results, and theirs are better. Science moves forward incrementally.
Also, this algorithm makes a real physical difference in the world. Cool!
You missed the whole point. The surfaces are developable, which means they can be cut from a flat sheet and curved into the shape, with no stretching or folding. It is special and impressive.