3D printing has transformed the world of manufacturing, but a new technology is taking this process a step further through the MobiPrint device . This innovative mobile robotic 3D printer , developed by the University of Washington’s Makeability Lab, is designed to print directly onto surfaces , creating large-scale objects in indoor environments.
Large-scale printing directly on site
What sets MobiPrint apart from other conventional 3D printers is its ability to move and print directly on the floor of any space . Using an autonomous navigation system, MobiPrint maps its environment using LiDAR scanning technology, detecting obstacles and adapting to different types of surfaces. This allows it to print large-scale designs in previously unthinkable places, such as rooms or hallways, without the need to move parts.
How does the MobiPrint 3D printer work?
The MobiPrint manufacturing process is divided into several stages. First, the printer maps the space using LiDAR scanning and obstacle detection. Then, the user can choose from a preconfigured library of designs or upload their own models to print. Finally, the robot navigates the space and performs the printing directly on the ground , creating functional or decorative structures without the need for additional assembly.
MobiPrint maps its surroundings using LiDAR scanning technology. Source: Makeability Lab
MobiPrint’s ability to autonomously 3D print surfaces has great potential across a range of industries. From prototyping in industrial settings to designing custom installations in architecture and art, this technology promises to revolutionize the way we think about manufacturing at an ambient scale. By eliminating the need to move parts or wait for traditional assembly, projects can move forward at a much faster rate.
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Source and photos: Makeability Lab
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