There are not a lot of details, but an agreement was reached between 3D Systems and Motorola, whereby 3D Systems would produce 3D printed “modules” to be used in Motorola’s modular smartphone venture, Project Ara.
Project Ara intends on devising an open source, “free, open hardware platform for creating highly modular smartphones”, in which, presumably, one could plug in or combine different functions to create unique specialized mobile devices.
But if the innards are changeable, what kind of housing should you make? The answer: simply 3D print the right kind of case as designs emerge. This is what 3D Systems is doing: developing a “continuous high-speed 3D printing production platform and fulfilment system”.
This could be the first of many new forms of manufacturing deals.
Via 3D Systems
