As if the LEGO Architecture Studio couldn’t get any cooler, a clever hack was unveiled last week that could let designers and architects translate their build objects into 3D data for idea generation and literal rapid prototyping with LEGO models.
Although most professional designers and engineers will probably want to spend their time jumping straight into CAD, the opportunity to create a LEGO model and have it translate into a more organic 3D shape to be 3D printed opens up a world of possibilities for those that may not have their CAD knowledge fully-developed to the point of being able to execute their intended designs.
Created by Gravity Research Club, the sensor-embedded LEGOs (or Duplos, in this case) can be seen in real-time on an accompanying tablet screen. Once a final model is built, the software gives the user an option to implement an algorithm that smoothes the 90-degree edges into a more organic form, which can then be 3D printed:
“When you play with Legos, you see much more in it than plastic bricks,” states Gravity Research Club in their video. “They are the fastest way to turn your ideas into reality. LEGO X understands what you are building, and what you are seeing; offering you endless possibilities, from digital crafting to 3D printing.”
While the product appears to be in a project phase at the moment and shows no ties to LEGO, the toy brick giant is no stranger to integrating new technologies into their products. Among other 3D technologies that the company has integrated into their product experience is the augmented reality kiosk seen in LEGO stores:
Could this ultimately be a way for LEGO to enter into the 3D printing space?
