The Economist publica un artículo, Fabulous fabrications, sobre los Fab Labs. Nos describe los proyectos de Neil Gershenfeld, del Center for Bits and Atoms del MIT, para crear fab labs de bajo coste que puedan ser utilizados por usuarios innovadores (pero con pocos recursos económicos y escasa formación técnica) en países en desarrollo. ¿Y qué fabrican?: desde sensores de contenido en grasa en la leche hasta redes inalámbricas o componentes de automóviles.
Bonus track: RepRap en Worldchanging:
RepRap is a design for a Replicating Rapid-Prototyper ("rapid prototyper" being a more common industry term for fabber). While it hasn't yet been built, nothing in the design is outside the realm of what's currently possible. The designer, Dr. Adrian Bowyer of the University of Bath's Centre for Biomimetic and Natural Technology, sees it as a way to kick start the fabbing revolution. Bowyer intends to put the entire design, when completed, on the web for free download under the GPL -- he's already made the software for a RP-built robot available. The RepRap would work in a manner similar to ink-jet printers (its syringe pump is shown here), and would be able to embed conductive wires within plastic shapes. The RepRap would not technically be self-replicating, as it would only be able to produce its own parts -- some assembly would be required.
De RepRap y Fab Labs hablamos hace poco. Y de Neil Gershenfeld hace ya unos meses.
