Mexican Media Brands
Airbus, Local Motors Partner on Printed Cars, Drones
European aerospace Airbus SE and Phoenix-based Local Motors Inc. are launching a joint venture to use 3D printing techniques to make passenger drones and self-driving vehicles.
Share
European aerospace Airbus SE and Phoenix-based Local Motors Inc. are launching a joint venture to use 3D printing techniques to make passenger drones and self-driving vehicles.
Their 50:50 venture, called Neorizon, plans to set up a “microfactory” in Munich, the Financial Times reports. The partners have worked together less formally since 2016.
LMI has been striving since 2007 to develop a high-speed 3D printing process for vehicles. The company has been touting its technology with Olli, a self-driving electric shuttle designed for use on campuses and urban areas. The vehicle can carry 12 occupants at speeds of 25 mph (40 kph) or less.
Neorizon envisions customers using small local plants to “print” vehicles on demand, according to FT. LMI Founder Jay Rogers says his company’s technology is proven and ready for commercialization.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Printing a Shock
Although this shock absorber is just a demonstration device, its fabrication is rather clever as the materials company that made it, Covestro, used three different materials and three different 3D fabrication processes to make it: First, there’s the outer spring of the 40 x 7-cm part.
-
Ford Advancing Manufacturing
To assure that the company maintains its capabilities, relevance and leading-edge know-how in manufacturing, Ford has spent $45-million on its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Redford Township, Michigan, just west of Detroit.
-
On the Genesis GV80, Acura MDX, BMW iDrive and more
From Genesis to Lamborghini, from Bosch to Acura: new automotive developments.
