RSSDan Smithwick is working on developing a system so that people can design houses, buildings and other structures in Sketchup, then have the parts cut on a Shopbot, which can then be put together with a few more tools than a rubber mallet. Dan has been working with MIT Professor Larry Sass.
Take a look at his site, Physical Design make a design and put your puzzle house together!
At the Faire you'll be able to see first hand how easy and fun the Physical Design Co structures are to assemble and you'll be able to meet the co-founders who have developed this technology.
You can download the 3D model of the San Mateo Artist's Studio from the Physical Design Co website.
there needs to be more attention to how the pieces are laid out on the board. there is a LOT OF WASTE.
from what i saw (only watched the first vid) it looks like there was at least 40% waste, what do you do with the leftover, chip it up and make more board? seems like a waste of resources.
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They could probably optimize their packing algorithm, for sure. I assume this is an early version.
Also, since it's essentially computer designed, you could do interesting things with geodesics, like honeycomb walls.
Also, no pricing details. The fact that they accept Sketchup definitely makes it accessible for the less hardcore, but without a price range I can't even begin to determine if they'd be the correct vendor for a given project.
Nice report :)
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