The promise of personal fabricators - Neil Gershenfeld

The video discusses the evolution from early mini computers, which filled entire rooms, to personal computers (PCs) that integrated various subsystems into a single box. It highlights how PCs made computing more accessible and affordable. The concept of a personal fabricator is introduced, which aims to combine the capabilities of a fab lab into one device, surpassing the functionality of a 3D printer. The video emphasizes the ongoing research needed to achieve this integration and the potential for developing new applications without waiting decades.

What was a significant contribution of early mini computers despite their complexity?

• They were portable and easy to use.

• They were instrumental in inventing the Internet.

• They were primarily used for gaming.

• They were used for personal entertainment.

How did personal computers (PCs) differ from mini computers?

• PCs combined all mini computer components into one box.

• PCs required multiple rooms to operate.

• PCs were only used for communication.

• PCs were larger and more complex.

What is a personal fabricator compared to a 3D printer?

• A personal fabricator is only used for printing objects.

• A personal fabricator is just a smaller 3D printer.

• A personal fabricator combines all fab lab capabilities into one device.

• A personal fabricator is a type of mini computer.

What is the main challenge in developing personal fabricators?

• Making them as large as possible.

• Reducing their power consumption.

• Merging various capabilities into a single device.

• Finding enough space to store them.

What advantage does the development of personal fabricators offer?

• They are primarily used for entertainment purposes.

• They are less efficient than traditional methods.

• They allow for the development of new applications without long delays.

• They are only useful for industrial applications.