3D printing news round-up: November 2016
In last month's 3D printing news round-up, we discussed Amazon’s secret drone lab based in Cambridge, a potential cure for male pattern baldness, a significant rise in the worldwide demand for 3D printing and a nifty device for storing your headphones. This month, we have more stories from the wonderful and innovative world of 3D printing.
Mini-Drones For the Pentagon
3D printing has become popular in the field of DIY drones, simply because it allows for parts to be additively manufactured cheaply, bringing down the ultimate cost of producing drones. However, drones are being used for military purposes too. Recently, the Pentagon announced that they have been testing out swarms of low-cost drones for surveillance and combat. They plan to deploy swarms of these devices to jam enemy defence systems and actually engage in warfare. Although the pentagon are not short on finances, the 3D printed outer shell of the drones well help to drive down production costs.
An alternative to animal testing
Animal testing is very costly and time consuming, also there are the multiple ethical issues that these practices entail. 3D printing has been used for a range of medical procedures, but recent news suggests that it could be a key factor in alternatives to animal testing. Microphysical systems (MPS) are synthetic replacements for human internal organs and tissues - they are embedded with sensors which can provide electronic readouts on structures within the human body. These systems can be constructed using a 3D printer, are extremely accurate and may one day be a viable alternative to animal testing.
Explore the depths of the oceans with 3D printing
Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) have been used to explore the depths of the oceans for centuries and bring back data that scientists can interpret regarding what goes on under the waves. Recently, a research team from The University of Florida have been developing an AUV which utilises 3D printing to construct many of its parts. The UAV is powered by a propeller, has thrusters on either side and somewhat resembles a robotic squid, hence the name ‘squid-marine’.
Aquaponic homes
There have already been various stories about people using 3D printing for architectural projects in recent years - most famously an entire hotel room (including the jacuzzi) was 3D printed. In the future however, entire homes may come out of 3D printing machines - although these homes won’t resemble anything on the market in the 21st century.
As ecosystems are harmed by human civilisation and natural resources dwindle, the human race will be forced to construct homes in a way that is more harmonious with nature. Enter Aquaponic Future Housing; 3D printed aquaponic houses that create miniature ecosystems in urban areas. Using recycled plastics, the aquaponic house is completely self-sustaining - residents will be able to grow vegetables and perhaps even fish. Plants can be grown using hydroponics (no soil) above a water tank which could contain fish. The ammonia-rich waste from the fish tank could then be used to help the plants to grow, which would provide life to the human inhabitants of the house., thus being a true symbiosis. For more information about aquaponic homing, check out some of the beautiful illustrations here.
Tagged with: drones, ocean exploration, animal testing
