Robots as Helpers
Prototype of machine that copies itself goes on show
(Nanowerk News) Granted, this is not nanotechnology yet, but quite an interesting development
nevertheless:
A University of Bath academic, who oversees a global effort to develop an open-source machine that
‘prints’ three-dimensional objects, is celebrating after the prototype machine succeeded in making a
set of its own printed parts. The machine, named RepRap, will be exhibited publicly at the Cheltenham
Science Festival (June 4-8, 2008).
RepRap is short for replicating rapid-prototyper; it employs a technique called ‘additive fabrication’.
The machine works a bit like a printer, but, rather than squirting ink onto paper, it puts down thin layers
of molten plastic which solidify. These layers are built up to make useful 3D objects.
RepRap has, so far, been capable of making everyday plastic goods such as door handles, sandals
and coat hooks. Now, the machine has also succeeded in copying all its own 3D-printed parts.
These parts have been printed and assembled by RepRap team member, Vik Olliver, in Auckland, New
Zealand, into a new RepRap machine that can replicate the same set of parts for yet another RepRap
machine and so on ad infinitum. While 3D printers have been available commercially for about 25
years, RepRap is the first that can essentially print itself.
The Robots are Coming
Next
Prototype of machine that copies itself goes on show
(Nanowerk News) Granted, this is not nanotechnology yet, but quite an interesting development
nevertheless:
A University of Bath academic, who oversees a global effort to develop an open-source machine that
‘prints’ three-dimensional objects, is celebrating after the prototype machine succeeded in making a
set of its own printed parts. The machine, named RepRap, will be exhibited publicly at the Cheltenham
Science Festival (June 4-8, 2008).
RepRap is short for replicating rapid-prototyper; it employs a technique called ‘additive fabrication’.
The machine works a bit like a printer, but, rather than squirting ink onto paper, it puts down thin layers
of molten plastic which solidify. These layers are built up to make useful 3D objects.
RepRap has, so far, been capable of making everyday plastic goods such as door handles, sandals
and coat hooks. Now, the machine has also succeeded in copying all its own 3D-printed parts.
These parts have been printed and assembled by RepRap team member, Vik Olliver, in Auckland, New
Zealand, into a new RepRap machine that can replicate the same set of parts for yet another RepRap
machine and so on ad infinitum. While 3D printers have been available commercially for about 25
years, RepRap is the first that can essentially print itself.
The Robots are Coming
Next
 | |  | |  | |  |