The Future of Objects and Materials
(Written: Dec 2019)
Background
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Since the beginning of civilization humans have created, collected, bought and sold objects made of various materials. These objects serve a plethora of purposes, whether it be a piece of furniture to comfortably sit on, or a tool used to harvest crops. These objects serve various purposes and frequently play functional roles in our lives. As we move into the future, many of these objects become more technologically advanced through iteration. The purpose of these advancements is typically to create more comfort, more efficiency, greater strength, greater resilience etc. Some of these objects serve completely new purposes and build upon the existing foundation that their predecessor served the human existence.
The creation of objects has changed drastically over the years. In the early ages of human existence, objects like bowls and weapons were created by hand in order to satisfy essential needs, and improve lifestyle. Although some of these creations were created for personal use, over the years humans have become more efficient by mass producing objects. The first printing press was invented in the Holy Roman Empire by the German Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. With the dawn of the industrial revolution, mass produced items allowed us to create more efficient and affordable objects that have undoubtedly improved and complicated the lives of the human race.
One thing that all of these objects have in common, is that they are made from combinations of materials found on earth. Everything on earth is created from elements that you would find in the periodic table. There are 118 elements on the periodic table, but the number of objects that can be created from combinations of these elements is virtually unlimited. Imagine a world where there was a way to break down every object you own into the elements they are comprised of. Now imagine you could measure the exact amounts and percentages of those elements that the object is comprised of, regardless of condition. Sounds strange, right? This is not the way we think of the objects we own; but perhaps we should.
As a human species we create, give, sell, and throw away objects all over the world. We are fairly good at creating materials and objects from elements we have here on Earth but we are not particularly good at controlling where they end up when we are done with them. Some of these objects easily decompose or are recycled, while many others have dangerous consequences. Disposed electronics, batteries, plastics, and other toxic materials end up in our environment hurting our delicate ecosystem. Even recycled materials sometimes end up getting shipped to un-regulated countries where they are disposed of in consequential ways. Some are not only dangerous to our planet, but also to the people handling and eliminating these materials, many times done through a burning process.
If there was a more efficient way to enjoy these objects without causing harm to both our health, and the environment we may be able to improve the quality of the planet as a whole.
The creation of objects has changed drastically over the years. In the early ages of human existence, objects like bowls and weapons were created by hand in order to satisfy essential needs, and improve lifestyle. Although some of these creations were created for personal use, over the years humans have become more efficient by mass producing objects. The first printing press was invented in the Holy Roman Empire by the German Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. With the dawn of the industrial revolution, mass produced items allowed us to create more efficient and affordable objects that have undoubtedly improved and complicated the lives of the human race.
One thing that all of these objects have in common, is that they are made from combinations of materials found on earth. Everything on earth is created from elements that you would find in the periodic table. There are 118 elements on the periodic table, but the number of objects that can be created from combinations of these elements is virtually unlimited. Imagine a world where there was a way to break down every object you own into the elements they are comprised of. Now imagine you could measure the exact amounts and percentages of those elements that the object is comprised of, regardless of condition. Sounds strange, right? This is not the way we think of the objects we own; but perhaps we should.
As a human species we create, give, sell, and throw away objects all over the world. We are fairly good at creating materials and objects from elements we have here on Earth but we are not particularly good at controlling where they end up when we are done with them. Some of these objects easily decompose or are recycled, while many others have dangerous consequences. Disposed electronics, batteries, plastics, and other toxic materials end up in our environment hurting our delicate ecosystem. Even recycled materials sometimes end up getting shipped to un-regulated countries where they are disposed of in consequential ways. Some are not only dangerous to our planet, but also to the people handling and eliminating these materials, many times done through a burning process.
If there was a more efficient way to enjoy these objects without causing harm to both our health, and the environment we may be able to improve the quality of the planet as a whole.
3-D Printing and the Future
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Let’s fast-forward to the 21st century. With the introduction of 3-D printers we have seen the dawn of a new form of creation. We can now create physical objects with some basic material and a design that is realized through a capable machine. Currently, we are creating objects with plastics of variable strengths and resilience. This enables us to create a suite of products that not only mimic physical objects, but allow people to create new, original objects without the cost, scale, and “red-tape” of producing in a factory. Some of these objects even have moving parts, like an adjustable wrench. We now have the freedom to create these objects with a relatively affordable machine and some basic materials to build them with.
Although exciting, the first iteration of 3-D printing has its limitations. The concept itself is genius, but is limited by the amount of materials available for us to use in the process. As time goes on we will see the introduction of multiple materials that allow us to make more robust artifacts. Some of these objects might include but not be limited to silverware, car parts, and computer components. In order to create these more complex components we need to have access to them in a cost-effective and available way. As with any new innovative concept, the demand needs to exceed the supply in order for these ideas to present themselves as feasible and practical ideas. There is no doubt that we will reach this new era as prices fall and demand increases.
As we move into this new era, we have the opportunity to truly change the way we think about objects and materials in the world.
All objects on the planet Earth are made from various elements that exist on the periodic table. If we are able to harness the elements of the periodic table into a format that can be utilized like a printer utilizes ink; the possibilities could be endless. We could use a combination of elements in order to create any object we want. Even if it wasn’t possible for every single element to be harnessed for this printer, there would be great value in harnessing a common stable sub-set.
Inevitably with advancements in both technology and declining cost of manufacturing, this type of 3-D printer has the capability of becoming pervasive. This type of technology would most likely first be utilized commercially, and eventually move to the general consumer sector (much like original 3-D printers did).
Although it would be significant if we had these creation capabilities, it would be irresponsible not to think about how these items would be discarded or recycled. It would be extremely useful to have an ecosystem where we can: 1. Combine elements to create objects and 2. Create a device that breaks-down objects and materials back into their separate original elements. Although these capabilities do not exist yet, the latter being a more difficult problem to solve, these aren’t impossible and we are slowly headed toward a demand for this type of solution. With enough demand and funding behind an innovation, anything is possible. Sometimes technology inspires innovation and sometimes innovation inspires technology. This is a good mix of both.
Although exciting, the first iteration of 3-D printing has its limitations. The concept itself is genius, but is limited by the amount of materials available for us to use in the process. As time goes on we will see the introduction of multiple materials that allow us to make more robust artifacts. Some of these objects might include but not be limited to silverware, car parts, and computer components. In order to create these more complex components we need to have access to them in a cost-effective and available way. As with any new innovative concept, the demand needs to exceed the supply in order for these ideas to present themselves as feasible and practical ideas. There is no doubt that we will reach this new era as prices fall and demand increases.
As we move into this new era, we have the opportunity to truly change the way we think about objects and materials in the world.
All objects on the planet Earth are made from various elements that exist on the periodic table. If we are able to harness the elements of the periodic table into a format that can be utilized like a printer utilizes ink; the possibilities could be endless. We could use a combination of elements in order to create any object we want. Even if it wasn’t possible for every single element to be harnessed for this printer, there would be great value in harnessing a common stable sub-set.
Inevitably with advancements in both technology and declining cost of manufacturing, this type of 3-D printer has the capability of becoming pervasive. This type of technology would most likely first be utilized commercially, and eventually move to the general consumer sector (much like original 3-D printers did).
Although it would be significant if we had these creation capabilities, it would be irresponsible not to think about how these items would be discarded or recycled. It would be extremely useful to have an ecosystem where we can: 1. Combine elements to create objects and 2. Create a device that breaks-down objects and materials back into their separate original elements. Although these capabilities do not exist yet, the latter being a more difficult problem to solve, these aren’t impossible and we are slowly headed toward a demand for this type of solution. With enough demand and funding behind an innovation, anything is possible. Sometimes technology inspires innovation and sometimes innovation inspires technology. This is a good mix of both.
A Brave New World
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Perhaps the most important point to take away here, is how this type of innovation can change the world. Let’s now imagine that this sort of innovation exists. With the availability of this advanced printer to the general public the possibilities are practically unlimited. This could fundamentally affect manufacturing, transportation, commerce, monetization, and ultimately reduce our carbon footprint.
Manufacturing
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The ability to create and breakdown objects and materials, on demand, is powerful. Strong human desire and demand for objects and materials is the reason we have so many forms of manufacturing. It currently takes specialized machinery and/or man-power to create all of these things. The industrial revolution introduced assembly-line factories that empowered manufacturers to create objects at scale. This was enabled by the power of technology and demand for this type of production over time. It will be inevitable that we make another radical change soon when the demand and cost to serve hits its equilibrium.
With the introduction of new technologies that produce materials that are on demand, we will most likely shift to a model that caters more to communities or individual consumers, instead of a model that relies on factories and distribution in a traditional sense. There still most likely would be larger facilities that cater to large objects (think vehicles, airplanes, large machines, etc.)
Given the type of technology people now interact with, they expect personalized, on demand experiences. This type of innovation could provide a platform for this type of desire (for both users and companies). The only limitations on these printers would be their ability to create objects over a certain size (as mentioned previously). The companies would benefit from only needing to provide on-demand design instructions for the printer. This would eliminate the need for most companies to create the objects and materials they are selling.
With the introduction of new technologies that produce materials that are on demand, we will most likely shift to a model that caters more to communities or individual consumers, instead of a model that relies on factories and distribution in a traditional sense. There still most likely would be larger facilities that cater to large objects (think vehicles, airplanes, large machines, etc.)
Given the type of technology people now interact with, they expect personalized, on demand experiences. This type of innovation could provide a platform for this type of desire (for both users and companies). The only limitations on these printers would be their ability to create objects over a certain size (as mentioned previously). The companies would benefit from only needing to provide on-demand design instructions for the printer. This would eliminate the need for most companies to create the objects and materials they are selling.
Transportation
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With the introduction of this type of innovation, it is inevitable the transportation industry would change significantly as well. Almost all companies use some form of transportation to distribute their goods. Although the transportation industry currently provides jobs for many people, this is an inefficient way of doing business in this new world. These changes would lower costs for companies, decrease our emissions from travel, and decrease traffic on our roadways.
This isn’t all bad news for the drivers. There inevitably will be new job opportunities that open from these new innovations (much like there will be when we move away from fossil fuels, but let’s save that conversation for another day). Some potential jobs may involve delivery and repair of the printers and materials that help support this type of innovation. There also most likely will be a shift in the type of jobs and skill sets needed in this new world.
This should be expected and planned for in any successful society. This type of shift has happened many times over throughout humanity, and will continue into the future. By preparing for these changes we will be proactive in the quality of people’s lives going forward. If we wait until the last minute there inevitably will be fighting and reacting to these inevitable changes. By being proactive, we won’t have to endure the latter.
This isn’t all bad news for the drivers. There inevitably will be new job opportunities that open from these new innovations (much like there will be when we move away from fossil fuels, but let’s save that conversation for another day). Some potential jobs may involve delivery and repair of the printers and materials that help support this type of innovation. There also most likely will be a shift in the type of jobs and skill sets needed in this new world.
This should be expected and planned for in any successful society. This type of shift has happened many times over throughout humanity, and will continue into the future. By preparing for these changes we will be proactive in the quality of people’s lives going forward. If we wait until the last minute there inevitably will be fighting and reacting to these inevitable changes. By being proactive, we won’t have to endure the latter.
Commerce
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What would the sale of various objects and materials look like in this new landscape? Over the last decade, commerce has dramatically changed. We have seen the frequency of goods and services being sold online. This shift has happened because of new technologies that enable us to easily compare, review, personalize, and order on-demand products at the convenience of our fingertips.
In this new world, we would be advancing this type of interaction through to the next iteration. We could now do all of this by providing more on-demand products in real-time to customers while also reducing the costs to companies and reducing our carbon footprint.
With these next-generation 3-D printers distributed throughout the population, companies would just need to focus on their product design, marketing, sales, operations etc. They wouldn’t need to be concerned with the day to day production, storage, and distribution of their products. Many of these products could be ordered and created on-demand in real-time. The only thing that would be needed is the element ingredients and amounts for the object ordered.
This type of on-demand commerce would work much like digital downloads work today. This would now allow you to also create physical objects on-demand, with just the purchase of the design specs for that object. Just like any online purchase today, this would be an environment that would only allow legal objects and materials to be created. This could also work as a complimentary service to what exists today for companies like Amazon etc. There would still need to be a verification in order to make sure your specific printer could handle the specs of the object. If the specs could not be handled by the next-generation printing device, other alternatives would be recommended.
To summarize, this could supplement current distribution methods and follow many of the same models for rules and regulations today. There is potential to do all of this while lowering costs for companies, eliminating wait times, and by greatly reducing harm to the environment.
In this new world, we would be advancing this type of interaction through to the next iteration. We could now do all of this by providing more on-demand products in real-time to customers while also reducing the costs to companies and reducing our carbon footprint.
With these next-generation 3-D printers distributed throughout the population, companies would just need to focus on their product design, marketing, sales, operations etc. They wouldn’t need to be concerned with the day to day production, storage, and distribution of their products. Many of these products could be ordered and created on-demand in real-time. The only thing that would be needed is the element ingredients and amounts for the object ordered.
This type of on-demand commerce would work much like digital downloads work today. This would now allow you to also create physical objects on-demand, with just the purchase of the design specs for that object. Just like any online purchase today, this would be an environment that would only allow legal objects and materials to be created. This could also work as a complimentary service to what exists today for companies like Amazon etc. There would still need to be a verification in order to make sure your specific printer could handle the specs of the object. If the specs could not be handled by the next-generation printing device, other alternatives would be recommended.
To summarize, this could supplement current distribution methods and follow many of the same models for rules and regulations today. There is potential to do all of this while lowering costs for companies, eliminating wait times, and by greatly reducing harm to the environment.
Monetization
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With a system that allows us to create and deconstruct objects using periodic elements, this introduces a possibility for an interesting new way to think about money. This could provide a whole new economy, where we trade elements with each other based on their value and scarcity. Suddenly all of those objects and materials collecting dust can turn into valuable assets.
Currently there is a barrier to entry for any old materials and objects to become valuable again. The closest we have come to making these types of objects valuable is through recycling, which is limited today. Only certain types of items like glass, metal, and paper can be recycled. Even those items have limitations based on certain conditions.
Currently there is a barrier to entry for any old materials and objects to become valuable again. The closest we have come to making these types of objects valuable is through recycling, which is limited today. Only certain types of items like glass, metal, and paper can be recycled. Even those items have limitations based on certain conditions.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
In this new world, we would be able to truly reach near-zero carbon footprint. Everything could not only be recyclable, but also valuable. This would create an ecosystem where value and wealth comes from recycling objects. This is truly powerful in all the right ways by intrinsically pulling on the heartstrings of human desire from both directions for a greater good. It is one thing to try and convince humans to do the right thing, but another to create an economic eco-system that rewards people all while reducing almost all waste.