Neil Gershenfeld

Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld

Alan Gershenfeld

What if anyone could make (almost) anything? That's the promise, and peril, of the third digital revolution. Two digital revolutions-in computing and communication-have radically transformed our economy and lives. A third digital revolution is upon us, in fabrication. Today's 3D printers are only the start of a trend, accelerating exponentially, to turn data into objects: the future holds community "fab labs" to personal fabrication to a universal replicator straight out of Star Trek. While digital fabrication promises us self-sufficient cities and the ability to make (almost) anything, it could also lead to massive inequality. The first two digital revolutions caught most of the world flat-footed; thanks to Designing Reality that won't be true this time.

How to Survive and Thrive in the Third Digital Revolution

Designing Reality

That's the promise, and peril, of the third digital revolution, where anyone will be able to make (almost) anything Two digital revolutions -- computing and communication -- have radically transformed our economy and lives. A third digital revolution is here: fabrication. Today's 3D printers are only the start of a trend, accelerating exponentially, to turn data into objects: Neil Gershenfeld and his collaborators ultimately aim to create a universal replicator straight out of Star Trek. While digital fabrication promises us self-sufficient cities and the ability to make (almost) anything, it could also lead to massive inequality. The first two digital revolutions caught most of the world flat-footed, thanks to Designing Reality that won't be true this time.

Alan Gershenfeld

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