Does the pace of technology just blow your mind at times? One of the futurist proclamations is that robots will infiltrate every part of our life. Well, if you click the image above, you will see how robots are building a bridge using 3D printing technology. It’s simply amazing to see this use case of additive manufacturing.
Additive manufacturing is a huge wave of technology coming at us. We are able to create parts that were previously not possible. We are also able to prototype things much more economically.
At Meadows Analysis, we have used it to make models of designs so that instead of having everyone staring at a CAD model on a screen, they can pass it around the conference table and discuss the way it looks, feels, and even functions. This visceral experience helps us in our design and engineering approach to consider function, form and constraints that are easier to visualize in addition to our solid modeling and analysis.
We have printed mechanisms that swivel, we have printed pumps that really work and even had those very pump walls printed transparently with clear plastics so that we could see what was going on inside! The technology is really in a very young stage and has much potential.
Consider the possibilities, and if you ever want to visualize an idea you have or how something will function, think about the robots that can help you live in the future.