New Innovations Merging AI and 3D Printing

Recent developments highlight a groundbreaking 3D printer that employs AI for process management. One article notes:

“Rather than requiring constant supervision, [the company’s] 3D printer features an integrated 30-frames-per-second HD camera with night vision to oversee its operations at any hour, detecting issues such as layer splitting and nozzle jams. The AI system alerts the operator through audio cues, LED signals, and notifications sent to a companion mobile app.”

Despite advancements, challenges like layer splitting and nozzle jams persist, necessitating human oversight without AI. The AI is designed to identify these issues, halt the printing process, and notify the operator if problems arise. It’s easy to envision future iterations featuring robots capable of resolving these issues autonomously, allowing printing to resume swiftly. For more insights on this innovative product, you can check additional articles here and here.

Improving Systems for Enhanced Production

Looking ahead, these integrations are expected to evolve further, addressing more intricate challenges in production. As these systems advance, they will facilitate a novel production methodology requiring minimal human input—essentially just providing a plan. By that time, many plans may be available as open-source digital resources. The primary costs will include the depreciation of the printer over its lifespan, energy consumption (which could be sourced from nearly free solar power), and the necessary materials. Although these expenses won't be eliminated, they will significantly decrease. As systems shrink in size, they will enable production right at the consumer’s home or workplace.

The Impact of Home-Based Production

Recall the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when highways were deserted and people stayed at home. This scenario was made possible by millions who could work remotely, yet it severely impacted capitalist structures. Urban areas were deserted, restaurants closed, and commuting ceased, resulting in oil prices plummeting. With the exception of grocery stores, many businesses faced challenges in producing goods or delivering services due to a lack of available workers. The protests during lockdowns reflected the broader disruptions in capitalism that affected everyone.

Despite the rise of remote work post-pandemic, the capitalist model generally necessitates that individuals work in one location and reside elsewhere. There are exceptions, such as software startups where employees may live on-site, or graphic designers working entirely from home, but commuting remains the norm.

Historically, individuals lived, produced, and consumed in the same locales, benefiting from communal resources. However, with the rise of capitalism and the privatization of common lands, people were forced into cities to labor in factories, leading to a disconnect between production and consumption—a separation that necessitated commuting. As we approach the decline of capitalism, this division may soon fade.

The integration of home-based 3D printing systems with AI and robotics will empower individuals to manufacture their own necessities, potentially eliminating traditional manufacturing altogether. When a few systems can satisfy most daily needs, the demand for labor will diminish. Commuting will become obsolete, shopping will be transformed, and the entire distribution network may become redundant. This future could mirror the lockdowns of the pandemic, but without the protests, as the shift in the economy will not only be inevitable but also crucial.