Picking up where I left off yesterday….

I was pleased to see a grassroots example of Designers R Us in action. Animatronics Workshop was the most interesting exhibit in the future of education section. It is collaborative, generative, open-source and DIY the four values that define Designers R Us.?

Animatronics Workshop was the brain child ofPaul and Catherine Diets, a couple of parents who wanted to provide kids with “a chance to experience a significant interdisciplinary project that requires the tight integration of both artistic and technical capabilities”. The workshop, designed as an extracurricular activity, began in the fall of 2006 with 14 children ages 11 -14. Check out a video of their first show called Perspectives, based on the familiar Sunday talk show format.?

Transforming ideas into objects… Up until now 3D printers have been gigantic, extremely expensive machines making them unsuitable for the consumer market. This is about to change. The Desktop Factory 3D printer will hit the market costing $4,995.00 making it within reach of businesses, schools and individuals.?

What I enjoyed was being able to see the machine up close; it reminded me of a microwave, and to hold some of the objects that had been “printed”. They felt substantial, like they would hold up to an average amount of wear and tear. The Desktop Factory uses standard 3D file formats and it has a maximum build volume of 5×5x5 inches. Instead of a laser it uses a halogen light bulb and the feed stock is nylon based power similar to what is used in makeup.?

Think of how cool it would be to print a 3D version of your virtual world objects, your avatar, toys you design! There is a waiting list for the machine which is expected to be available in early 2008. I want one.