Change Is Additive—Week of 6/24/16
CHANGE IS ADDITIVE—A 3D Printing News Series by Fathom
The Manufacturing Impacts of UKs EU Departure, 3D Printed Robotic Muscles with Electroactive Polymer, 3D Printed Self-Driving Bus Rolled Out, White House Smart Manufacturing Initiative, 3D Printed Shape Changing Garments
With so many weekly developments in a fast-changing industry like additive manufacturing, the headlines can really stack up. To cut through the clutter of 3D printing news, check out these staff picks of the week. What do you think is the most impactful development?
Researchers Create 3D Printed Robotic Muscles Using Electroactive Polymer
In a National Science Foundation-backed project, researchers from American, Japanese and Korean universities are pioneering a technique for creating 3D printed soft robotic devices that are able to move in response to stimuli. The synthetic material used by researchers is an electroactive polymer, meaning that electricity can be used to alter its shape. The team hopes to eventually use the technology to create realistic robot muscles // Read More
3D Printed, Self-Driving IBM Watson-Powered Bus Hits The Road
Olli, a 3D printed, self-driving IBM Watson-powered bus, is ferrying commuters around Washington, D.C. this summer. Ollis brain power is based on IBM Watsons Internet-of-Things platform for Automotive, making the minibus the first EV to feature the cloud-based computing capability. 3D printing the vehicle parts at a microfactory takes just 10 hours and builders can put together the final product within one additonal hour / / Read More // Watch Video
What Does Brexit Mean for UK and Global Manufacturing?
With the British electorate voting for the UK to depart from the European Union, the global economy has responded to the referendum with proportionate wariness. According to the ICAEW, larger manufacturers—including Nestlé, Airbus UK and Nissan—stated prior to the referendum that a vote to leave would be cause to reconsider their UK operations. Airbus UK operates the UK’s largest manufacturing facility by workforce size / / Read More
3D Printing Plays Major Role in White House’s Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute Competition
3D printing is in the spotlight in Washington, D.C., as the Obama Administration is dedicating an entire week to recognizing the creative and innovative manufacturing endeavors within the United States. During the third annual SelectUSA Summit, President Obama announced a new manufacturing hub which will primarily focus on advancing smart sensors and digital process controls // Read More
Create Dynamic 3D Printed, Shape Changing Objects Using SMA Actuators Inspired by “Caress of the Gaze”
In this Instructables from Behnaz Farahi, the artist walks through the construction of dynamic 3D printed objects activated with SMA actuators / / Learn More
3D Printable Self-Watering Planter
This Instructables shows you how to easily download and create a 3D printed, watertight self-watering planter / / Learn More
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Imagery and News Sources: 3Ders.org, 3Dprint.com, Wall Street Journal, Instructables, Behnaz Farahi, NSF, Engineering.com, Select USA, BMW, IBM
