Commentary: The 3D Force of Disruption
Rolf Lockwood
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Rolf Lockwood
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Disrupt, disruption, disruptive. I like these words, even though they’ve already become over-used in the business and technology worlds to describe developments that have the potential to force a change in direction. To obliterate expectations. Or simply to make us think very hard.
The first time I heard the word “disruptive” expressed in this way, the governor of Nevada used it during his remarks on the launch of the semi-autonomous Freightliner Inspiration Truck in Las Vegas. He was right to use it in that instance, because the technology involved did challenge assumptions and point us toward next steps.
So what’s the next disruptor? Well, your guess is as good as mine, and the thing is we probably can’t guess – the nature of a truly game-changing idea is that it sneaks up on normal folks like you and me. Or at least the implications do.
For me, that’s the case with 3D printing, and I believe it’s about as big a disruptor as you’ll find in the freight-hauling world. It has the potential to wipe a lot of freight right off the map. Really.
It will revolutionize shopping too, and eventually it will render present distribution systems obsolete. At some point in the future just about everything, except some foods and conventional fuels, I suppose, could be made locally. Freight re-defined.
Need an obscure part for your not-quite-current truck? No need to order it from a warehouse days away, because your local dealer can make it for you on the spot. Some companies have even developed ways to 3D print a house.
How about a 3D-printed jawbone made to fit you exactly – jagged edges and all – in the event of some traumatic accident and the need for facial reconstruction? The medical possibilities are endless.
Lest you think this is some futuristic vision, …Read the rest of this story
