IN SPOTLIGHT

Four scenarios on the future of circular economy

The circular economy holds the promise of a zero-waste future, yet formidable challenges in technology, finances, and regulation persist. How will governments and businesses overcome these obstacles to achieve true sustainability?

 
 

BLOG BY FUTURES PLATFORM

 

Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

We Now Have 3D-Printed Human Hearts

A team at the Tel Aviv University in Israel has achieved a major breakthrough by 3D-printing a heart with human tissue and vessels. In the future, this technology could be used to repair damaged hearts or to print entirely new ones, to be used for transplants.

Read More
Future Trends Mandla Reissmann Future Trends Mandla Reissmann

Swarm Robotics and 3D Printers

Swarm Robotics and 3D printing are forming an intersection between teams of robots (swarms) and robots that produce physical products from conceptual designs. When teams of 3D printing robots act as an organised unit they gain the ability to carry out tasks far too complicated for an individual machine.

Read More
Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

Are Modular Homes the Future?

The modular home isn't a new concept. Look at any long-term construction site, military complex, or industrial space, and you are likely to find a few. Could they also serve as the future homes for a rapidly growing human population?

Read More
Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

Can You 3D-Print Your Home?

When we talk about 3D printing, many people first picture small-scale products, such as car parts or smartphone covers. But what happens when we attempt to build larger structures, like houses or bridges, with 3D-printing?

Read More
Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

Printing Better Lives

Czech scientists from a research group at the Brno University of Technology developed a mechanical and computer model, with the aid of 3D printing, that allows them to simulate a variety of biological conditions, like asthma and other chronic afflictions. It can help us understand the diseases better, devise optimal treatment courses, and even help doctors practice surgeries with precision.

Read More
Future Trends Tapio Mäkelä Future Trends Tapio Mäkelä

4D Printing

4D printing adds a new dimension to 3D printing: time. An object changes its shape or quality as it encounters some external stimuli, such as temperature shifts or contact with water. Currently, research in several laboratories, 4D printing may add programmability to materials and objects.

Read More
Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen Future Trends Bruno Jacobsen

Cooking with 3D Printers

3D-printed foods aren't a new thing. Or, rather, they are - but the hype around them is not. Ever since additive manufacturing started to become more popularized, in the early years of the 2010s, many started speculating what it would be able to do with food. After all the hype, we can say that it has, to a good extend, delivered on its promises.

Read More