In case you missed it, our own Michael Curry gave a great interview to Engadget this weekend. Find out why we decided to make a Robot Petting Zoo, and what we plan to do with it now.
| Tagged with | engadget, maker faire, Robot Petting Zoo | Leave a comment |
Step right up!
The MakerBot booth at Maker Faire Bay Area 2012 is taking shape. For all the updates on where we are and what we’re doing, watch our twitter @makerbot. There will be lots of reasons to keep an eye on us tomorrow, if you catch my drift (…prizes!).
If you are headed down to the San Mateo Event Center, I’ve doctored some maps to help you find us.
We’ve already gotten some visits from other Makers who are setting up today, including the MakerBot superfan Schuyler St. Leger.
Maker Schuyler St. Leger gets an early look at the Bot Farm
Banners are being unrolled:
And the dance floor is installed:
We’re almost ready to roll. Come join us!
| Tagged with | maker faire, Robot Petting Zoo | Leave a comment |
The May 10th installment of MakerBot User Group New York (MUGNY) will offer MakerBot operators, Thingiverse makers, and Parsons students a rare glimpse into the working methods of two revered Thingiverse designers: Cushwa and PrettySmallThings. For the many of you who wrote in asking for in-depth design demos — these two demos will deliver knowledge and then some!
Special thanks to Parsons for inviting MUGNY to host this meeting in their beautiful space — a great chance for students using the Parsons MakerBot to learn more about the community of makers they are joining.
The New School
Parsons School of Design
“Masters in Design & Technology Thesis Show”
6 E 16th Street
12th Floor, Room 1200
6:30pm – 8:00pm
MakerBot will provide light snacks and refreshments.
Kacie Hultgren, also known as PrettySmallThings on Thingiverse, is a scenic designer in New York City. She uses her MakerBots to build scale models for set design models. Kacie works as an associate on a variety of Broadway, US Tours and West End productions, in addition to pursuing her own design work in NYC and around the country. At the May MUGNY, Kacie will share her work process and showcase scale models she has been working on. She’ll also speak about how to harness the design constraints of printing with MakerBots to create models that bend the rules and push the limits of DIY 3D printing.
Tom Cushwa, known as Cushwa on Thingiverse, is a 15 year veteran of the computer graphics, specializing in creating 3D models for film and television. He has worked with major studios all over the world. Tom has created characters for national ads, Superbowl spots, and major motion pictures. Always trying to stay ahead of the curve, Tom dived into 3D printing this past fall, creating models for the Thingiverse Playsets projects to be printed for the MakerBot CES booth. Recently, Tom created an Owl statue for Thingiverse that has now been downloaded over a thousand times, with over 40 people posting pictures of printed Owls on the site. Check out a small sample of his work as Big Character Inc. here.
A pioneer in art and design education since its founding in 1896, Parsons has cultivated outstanding artists, designers, scholars, businesspeople, and community leaders for more than a century. Today, when design thinking is increasingly being employed to solve complex global problems, Parsons is leading new approaches to art and design education. Students at the Design & Technology program pursue forward thinking, creative, commercial, research-based, educational, and art-based career paths. Areas of study include Interaction, Physical Computing, 2D and 3D Animation, Motion Graphics, and Digital Filmmaking.
| Tagged with | chairs, cushwa, design demo, MUGNY, owl, Parsons, PrettySmallThings | One comment |
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and MakerBot wants you to say it with flowers — 3D printed flowers!
Mother Nature has decorated our planet with an endless variety of flowers, trees, ferns, and vines. Let’s model some original, printable flowers for the awesome Mamas in our lives– maybe even some that can sing, dance, or squirt water in her face — and share them on Thingiverse.com!
We’ve asked our own Mothers to *pick* their favorites, so c’mon, MakerBotters! Let’s make ‘em proud. Read the rest of this entry »
| Tagged with | 3d modeling, 3d printing, alice in wonderland, flowers, mother's day | One comment |
Water Drop; José Manuel Suárez
Did you know that 1.1 billion people in this world live every day without a supply of clean water, and that 3,900 children die on a daily basis of water borne diseases?1
Something really exciting started this week, and YOU are at the heart of it. In collaboration with MakerBot and the UK-based rapid prototyping firm Econolyst, techfortrade is offering up a $100,000 prize for a groundbreaking, world-changing innovation. This is an opportunity for all of our brilliant readers, you engineers and scientists, moms and dads and kids and everyone in between, to share your ideas for reducing poverty and growing local communities in the developing world.
Consider this — in 2006, the World Health Organization estimated that unsafe injection practices caused 1.3 million early deaths worldwide, or a more sobering “26 million years of life” lost. But an auto-disable syringe now in use in some locations may prevent the possibility that blood-borne diseases spread through contaminated needles. Could you have prototyped that syringe on your MakerBot; or better yet, can you make a better one?
Techfortrade is an organization that aims to energize small businesses in the developing world using mobile phone technologies. Did you know that by 2015, an estimated 400 million mobile phone users in Africa alone will not have electricity regularly supplied by a power grid? Accordingly, entries in the Challenge should
…exploit developments in 3D printing, mobile phone based scanning technology and web based design applications to improve the incomes and livelihoods of people in developing countries.
Are your gears turning yet? Techfortrade offers a couple ideas:
…entries could involve using 3D printed models and parts to improve agriculture practices, water supply or filtration processes, or energy supplies for rural or impoverished areas. An example suggested by techfortrade is creating parts on a 3D printer for broken waterpumps that can then be easily fixed by locals, rather than having to source parts and repairs from elsewhere. The technology could also be used generate income by manufacturing entirely new products from re-cycled plastic.
We’ve seen some great stuff at MakerBot along these lines. For example, this water purification system or the Freedom system that connects rural farmers with 3D printers. But we know there are many more seeds of ingenious devices waiting to be released into the world.
The participating organizations are eager to help participants brainstorm their ideas with each other and with industry experts. MakerBot will be hosting a workshop at our headquarters in New York City, and other events will take place in London, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. We’ll have more details on the New York workshop closer to the day, but here’s the full schedule.
New York, MakerBot Hedquarters – 12th May 2012
Johannesburg, Hackerspace – 22nd May 2012
London, Westminster Hub – 17th May 2012
Nairobi, Nairobi University FabLab– 25th May 2012
Click here for full information on the 3D4D Challenge.
| Tagged with | 3d printing, 3D4D, developing world, Econolyst, humanitarian projects, rural communities, techfortrade, water crisis | 2 comments |
A new week begins and I have a few items to put on your calendar. These concern Saskatonians, New Yorkers, Washington, DC, and Connecticuters.
First things first: if you’re in the New York City area and you’re interested in some basic MakerBotting education for free, reserve a spot now at our class at Tekserve on Thursday. You can see the invitation and RSVP here.
What — 90 minute class with MakerBot Education guru Liz Arum
When – Thursday, April 26; 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Where — Tekserve in New York City; 119 West 23rd Street. New York, NY 10011
If you are anywhere near the nation’s capital this weekend, there are a couple chances to Kinect (see what I did there?) with our MakerBot road crew, Matt, Keith, and Nick. The guys will be hanging out on Saturday and Sunday for the USA Science and Engineering Festival, which bills itself as “the most compelling, exciting, educational and entertaining science festival in the United States.”
This is a jam-packed festival that basically anyone could enjoy. For example, page 6 of the list of stage shows includes an hour session by Bill Nye. THE SCIENCE GUY! If Bill Nye’s on page 6, you know the rest of the lineup has to be pretty exciting. There’s an Electronic Fashion Show, a talk from actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, a panel discussion with CIA scientists, a Harry Potter magic demonstration, and dozens and dozens of other shows, not to mention exhibits like ours where kids and families can interact with fun science of all kinds.
The MakerBot booth will have our latest 3D printer, The Replicator, and we will be scanning and printing visitors with the Xbox Kinect and ReconstructMe, and more! Come see us!
What – MakerBot booth at a giant, awesome science fair in Washington, DC
When – April 28, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; April 29, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where – Walter E. Washington Convention Center; 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW. Washington, DC 20001
While the crew is down in D.C., they plan to party Saturday night close to the Convention Center at The Passenger. We have rented a room from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and will be offering food and drinks on us, first-come-first-served, until we run out!
What – A chance for MakerBot Operators to come together and hang out with Keith, Matt, and Nick
When – April 28, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where – The Passenger; 1021 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
For any readers near Saskatoon, Canada — often considered the Edmonton of Saskatchewan — come see MakerBot at The Man Show 2012. This is a lifestyle trade show geared subtly toward men. Okay, frankly, this looks awesome. It’s a giant exhibition of gadgets and tools. It will be a great chance to check out The Replicator in the midst of a bunch of other really cool things. Tickets are $10.
What – Chance to see The Replicator and speak with an expert on our 3D printers
When – April 26-27, 4:00-10:00 p.m.; April 28, 1:00-9:00 p.m.
Where – Credit Union Centre; 3515 Thatcher Avenue. Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4, Canada
A second group of MakerBot staff is also thrilled to attend the Mini Maker Faire in Westport, Connecticut. We’ll be rolling from 10:00 a.m until things wind down at 4:00 p.m. Come visit us (including me!) and say hello to our 3D printers.
What — Mini Maker Faire featuring MakerBot and many other exhibitors
When – April 28, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where — Westport Library; 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880
| Tagged with | maker faire, Man Show, mini-maker faire, STEM, tekserve, USA Science and Engineering Festival | 2 comments |
Wilcox vs 3D Printer
Dominic Wilcox’s offhand tweet about racing a 3D printer to make something became a reality this last Friday. They competed against a 1.5 hour time limit to build a replica of the Duomo cathedral in a competition hosted by WeFab.it.
I would respectfully disagree with Dominic. The future isn’t just humans – the future is human-robot collaboration! Just imagine what Dominic could have done with a trusty robot sidekick!
| Tagged with | dominic wilcox, dominic wilcox versus a 3d printer, human robot cooperation, man v machine, man versus machine, man vs machine | Leave a comment |
From April 13th – 15th the MakerBot Events Team traveled to Chicago to attend C2E2 and bring The Replicator to our community. C2E2 – Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo ran Friday through Sunday and we showcased The Replicator to more than 35,000 Comic Book and Sci-Fi Fans, Artists, Gamers and Industry.
One of our community members Phroon stopped by our booth with a MakerBotted C2E2 badge holder! So we began printing these for the crowds immediately. Check out Nick sporting his safety orange holder.
Anthony Daniels AKA C3PO became a MakerBot fan at C2E2 and visited the booth a couple of times. Rather than talking about Star Wars or revealing who he was (we heard his voice as our first clue) he talked with great enthusiasm about The Replicator and told stories of being a Maker himself. (His favorite tool: his glue gun. He had multiple burn scars to prove it.)
There were endless numbers of attendees visiting the booth dressed as Superheroes, Villains and Video Game Characters. They all loved the MakerBot. And those who created their own costumes or costumes for others left with ideas for how 3D printing could help them take these practices even further.
Even the Mario Bros. powered up at the MakerBot Booth!
We had the Xbox Kinect on hand to scan some of our favorite characters. “I pity the fool who don’t MakerBot!” – Mr. T
After the doors closed on the first day of C2E2 we ventured out to Chicago’s premier Hackerspace, Pumping Station: One. They have a Tardis! Also, this is the hackerspace that created the Power Racing Series.
All eyes were on The Replicator!
Another visit that proved to be amazing was with Tom and Holly at the What It Is Gallery. Their exhibit “Improbable Objects” featured 3D-printed work from MakerBot Artists Micah Ganske and Marius Watz, among others.
Next stop Washington DC! We’ll be bringing The MakerBot Replicator to our Nation’s Capitol for the USA Science & Engineering Festival. This is the largest celebration of science in the U.S. and will feature over 3,000 fun, interactive exhibits, more than 100 stage shows and 33 Author Presentations. The USA Science & Engineering Festival will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. on April 28-29, 2012. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.
Find out if the MakerBot Events Team is heading to your way; sign up to receive the MakerBot Newsletter!
| Tagged with | Artist-in-Residence, C2E2, Chicago, events, MUG | One comment |
We’ve got a great thing happening on Twitter right now. For anyone interested in attending the TEDxNYED conference, we’re giving away two tickets ($100 value) to the best two answers to the question,
Here’s some info on the event.
TEDxNYED is independently organized by New York educators. At TEDxNYED, live speakers and TED Talk videos combine to spark deep discussion and connections. TEDxNYED presenters are invited to share their insights and inspire conversations about the future of education. Attendees of the conference participate via networking sessions where they educate one another and, in the spirit of TED, help spread these ideas.
TEDxNYED is operating under license from TED, organizers of the immensely popular TED Conference, an annual event where some of the world’s leading thinkers and doers are invited to share what they are most passionate about. In the spirit of “ideas worth spreading,” TED has created TEDx, a program of local, organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience.
We’ll pick two winners from all the submissions and give each of them a ticket to attend the TEDx event in New York City.
Where Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street)
Astoria, NY 11106
When April 28, 2012
In order to participate in our giveaway, you have to drop us a tweet. Tell us how 3D printing will change the world in 140 characters or less. Mention us with @makerbot and be sure to hashtag #3DPrinting so we can find your tweet and put you in the running.
UPDATE: These tweets are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 23. Right around the corner, so share your thoughts with us now!
| Tagged with | education, new york, Queens, TED, TEDx | Leave a comment |
We have just opened up a few more seats for our awesome free class on “How to MakerBot” taught by MakerBot educator-guru Liz Arum at Tekserve starting this month. This class has been frequently requested by the MakerBot community and we are thrilled to get a chance to give this a try.
Attendees are required to RSVP here and should bring a laptop and external 3-button mouse to the first session on April 19th. Those who show up to the first meeting will have priority to sign up for the following two sessions. April 26th, and May 8th.
MakerBots are part of an evolving modern world of technology that allow people of all ages and skill levels to become producers, inventors and artists. This personal fabrication tool allows you to efficiently and inexpensively take your digital designs into the real world. Because you can hold the objects that you designed in your hand, you will be able to easily understand the strengths and limitations of your work. This process of physical feedback will allow you to incorporate the fixes right back into your design documents, letting you participate in an iterative engineering design process at an accelerated rate. This class will introduce you to 3D printing with the MakerBot Replicator. Create 3D computer models, prepare them for printing, print them out in plastic, and get an overview of the various free 3D modelling software tools that are available online.
No prior knowledge of 3D modeling, programming, or 3D printing is required. Use the class time to create, design, invent, and prototype. Then imagine what you would have done if you had a personal 3D printer at age 11.
Tekserve – Seminar Room
119 W 23rd Street
NY, NY 10011
212-929-3645
Laptop and 3-button extra mouse required.
| Tagged with | education, how to makerbot, masterclass, tekserve | One comment |
It's a toy tiger. Printed on a makerbot replicator. I started with the grande yellow cat source, but ReplicatorG couldn't render it to gcode and print, so I used rhino to clean up the model and remove the grass base that's on the model but not in the original picture. Tail is still too thin to print…
