2006-02-09
Idea: Open Source Electronics
Following the pending upheaval in the software and media industries caused by open source tools and techniques, I think that one of the next sectors thus effected will be electronics.
I believe that one or more repositories for open designs of electronics will emerge. The designs in these repositories will probably be licensed with creative commons licenses (or something similar) that allows both the commercial production of products using the design and the creation of open derivative designs. Complicated designs will emerge by combining simpler ones. Designs will evolve over time in much the same way as open source software currently does.
Along with these repositories will emerge custom electronics manufacturers. Using processes much like inkjet and laser printing they will fabricate products that meet custom specifications on demand. The repositories will quickly start linking to these fabricators with real time price and delivery quotes.
As these open designs start to get used in the manufacturing of chips, the product development cycle will accelerate. New products based on the open designs will be available on the market in a matter of weeks.
Similar open design repositories and fabricators will likely develop to supplant many if not most other mass market manufacturing. Early deployments will likely include: replacement car parts, clothing, plastics & furniture.
I believe that one or more repositories for open designs of electronics will emerge. The designs in these repositories will probably be licensed with creative commons licenses (or something similar) that allows both the commercial production of products using the design and the creation of open derivative designs. Complicated designs will emerge by combining simpler ones. Designs will evolve over time in much the same way as open source software currently does.
Along with these repositories will emerge custom electronics manufacturers. Using processes much like inkjet and laser printing they will fabricate products that meet custom specifications on demand. The repositories will quickly start linking to these fabricators with real time price and delivery quotes.
As these open designs start to get used in the manufacturing of chips, the product development cycle will accelerate. New products based on the open designs will be available on the market in a matter of weeks.
Similar open design repositories and fabricators will likely develop to supplant many if not most other mass market manufacturing. Early deployments will likely include: replacement car parts, clothing, plastics & furniture.
Comments:
Well I recall Gram telling that when she was a young girl a cobler mesured her feet and made high button boots of soft leather that were a perfect fit with a bit of room to grow. When she had to wear factory made "standard" size it was a terrible shock. Any chance of afordable custom shoes in my life?
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