Motorola announced its plans for a modular phone in October – now it has revealed that core parts for the phone will be 3D-printed.
Called Project Ara, it’s a phone that users will be able to customise in the same way you can with Lego. The parts could be a battery, a keyboard, the display – or a component that hasn’t yet been invented.
To make the parts for it, Motorola has turned to the company that made the first 3D printer 20 years ago, South Carolina-based 3D Systems. It seems a good business partnership as Motorola invented the hand-held cellphone, back in 1973. However, the Project Ara 3D-printing concept is so cutting edge that the technology hasn’t even been perfected.
Regina Dugan, a senior vice-president and head of Motorola’s Advanced Technology and Projects group, said: “It requires technical advances in areas such as material strength and printing with conductive inks for antennas.
“And those advances must support production-level speeds and volumes, which is a natural partnership with 3D Systems.”
Avi Reichental, the president and chief executive of 3D Systems, said: “Project Ara was conceived to build a platform that empowers consumers all over the world with customisation for a product made by and for the individual. 3D printing promotes a level of sustainability, functionality, and mass personalisation that turns these kinds of global ambitions into attainable local realities.” – Daily Mail