The European Space Agency plans to apply 3D printing to metal in order to build parts for jets, spacecraft and fusion projects. ESA and the EU, together with industrial and academic partners, are developing the first large-scale 3D production methods to create metal parts that are lighter and more affordable than conventional parts. While 3D printing is already being used to produce plastic products, applying the process to metal parts for rockets and planes would save money and be more efficient. Continue reading The AMAZE Project: Space Agency Brings 3D Printing to Metal

Chip manufacturer Intel is debuting very small processors that have a wide variety of uses from wearable devices to medical and industrial applications. Some have criticized the company for not entering the smartphone market fast enough, but with Quark, Intel plans to pursue embedded computing technologies emerging in wearable devices and the Internet of Things. Intel will have to address the expected low price of these chips, along with increased competition from other chip makers. Continue reading Intel Creates Ultrasmall Quark Chips for Wearable Computing

Earlier this week, we reported that Amazon may be expanding its AmazonFresh service to the New York City area. Amazon has more than 209 million active users that purchase all type of products, from TVs to pet food, and the company has expanded its services and processing centers in order to build loyalty and become a single source for all shopping needs. Its strategy has led to a growing customer base and significant increases in sales. Continue reading Retail: Amazon Pursues Cheaper Goods and Faster Shipping

Canon has been demonstrating a handheld version of its MREAL Mixed Reality technology at SIGGRAPH this week. According to Canon, the technology merges virtual objects with the real world, at full scale in three dimensions. The company launched its MREAL Mixed Reality headset earlier this year. The handheld version functions similarly to the headset, by enabling the use of markers or sensors to render images in real space. Continue reading SIGGRAPH: Canon Previews Handheld Mixed Reality Technology

Some believe that 3D printing is being held back due to patents. But that will change in February 2014, when key patents for advanced 3D printers that are averting competition will expire, according to Duann Scott, with the 3D printing company Shapeways. 3D printing for inexpensive and finished goods will be more available to users, and the release of protected patents will be an important step for personalized manufacturing. Continue reading 3D Printing Could Boom When Key Patents Expire Next Year

Intel’s leadership promised on Friday to place their chip processors in position to enter the mobile and other non-computer markets. Despite their planned release of a TV set-top box, Intel is entering the new field with caution. In contrast, it is focusing much effort on its chip making. Intel will attempt to bring their Atom chips to a more equal level with their Core line of computer chips, and compete directly with ARM processors. Continue reading Intel Emphasizes Mobile Focus, More Attention on Atom Chip

Companies such as General Electric, Ford and Mattel are increasingly turning to 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, in order to help deliver products to customers more quickly. Unlike traditional manufacturing techniques, that typically involve cutting or drilling from molds, 3D printing enables a more efficient means of modeling an object on a computer and then printing it with plastic, metal or composite materials. Continue reading Industries Find 3D Printing Technology Fast and Efficient

Roomba-maker iRobot has filed a patent for a 3D printer that streamlines the production process by assembling parts without human assistance. The “Robotic Fabricator” would eliminate human error, and the printer would maintain flexibility in what it could produce. The printer would have the ability to “handle connectors, seams, and fasteners that lock parts together,” which is often the source of defective products. Continue reading Robotic Fabricator: Autonomous 3D Printer for Manufacturing