Guest Contribution
By Sand Sinclair
imageSource Magazine
Technology trends keep on coming. Year after year, we are amazed at the new devices and services available. Without question, sci-fi possibilities are now a reality, including in our demanding office technology markets.
In fact, Amazon recently filed for a patent on a service that would see the company offer 3-D-printed items “on demand.” The US Patent Filing describes Amazon wanting a service where customers can order items to be remotely fabricated and shipped by them — and/or, when possible, allow 3-D printing by a mobile unit that delivers the items directly to them, instantly.
American businesses love immediate access to deliverables if they can get it, from innovators in almost any market. Amazon says that by equipping itself with 3-D printers it could save money by eliminating the need to import items and store them in warehouses, cutting down on inventory costs as well as having the ability of “right now” service.
How Does This Work?
According to various blogs on such, 3-D printers could be mounted within trucks or vans, which could then print customers’ purchases on the spot, and deliver them instantly to the buyer or consumer.
“By ‘mobile’ we mean that the position of the 3-D manufacturing apparatus changes because it is mounted within or contained within a moving vehicle or other structure,” Amazon wrote to consumers.
As the legal process takes time, the would-be patent has been some time in the making. It was originally filed in November of 2013.
We all know that tech companies want to be innovative and forward thinking and make huge investments in R&D to ultimately result in “changing the landscape.” Amazon seeks to be on the cutting edge. Last year, the company toyed with idea of unmanned drone delivery vehicles, though this brainchild was not approved by the FAA. However, I imagine Amazon will keep trying to “find a better way”....while designing other effective devices and services in the meantime. Stay tuned!
Sand Sinclair is the editor of imageSource Magazine.
