A new book, Designing Reality, argues we're entering the 3rd digital revolution, which the authors say is based on new fabrication techniques and technologies.
In case you were wondering, the book says the first two digital revolutions were computing and communications.
The 3rd revolution is being driven by a combination of computer aided design tools linked to a variety of fabrication technologies including laser cutters, NC milling machines and, of course, 3D printers.
The authors are three brothers including Neil Gershenfeld, who runs the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT.
The center studies "how to turn data into things, and things into data."
Gershenfeld is also a founder of the Fab Foundation, which supports a global network of over 1000 Fab Labs.
These are makerspaces focused on educating members on digital fabrication. They are located primarily in schools, libraries,museums and other public spaces.
The book lays out a future where in the next decade fabrication stores will be located in most communities. Think FedEx Office/Kinko's, but for making physical goods.
Twenty years or so into the future the book suggests homes with a digital fabricator will be common. And in 30 years or so most homes will have multiple digital fabricators, fulfilling Star Trek's vision of the replicator.
While this vision may or may not come to pass, what is happening is the number of global fab labs and makerspaces is rapidly growing.
We've long studied these coworking spaces for making things and our 2009 study on the maker movement is one of our favorite research projects.
So while a Star Trek like replicator is probably decades away, fab labs and makerspaces are changing how things are made today. They're also creating new, small business manufacturing opportunities.
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