Motorola is working with 3D Systems to develop 3D-printed phone technology for Project Ara.
Project Ara aims to produce modular phones that would let users mix and match hardware with the simplicity of downloading and installing software, and to be a kind of open Android ecosystem for hardware. In order to meet that goal, Google's Motorola Department has partnered with 3D Systems.
Through this initiative, users will have the ability to upgrade their devices with the use of plug-in modules.
During the launch of Project Ara, the company purposely mentioned 3D printing as the main ingredient in making an open-source hardware market realistic and 3D Systems will help them make it happen.
In their partnership, 3D Systems will take charge of producing a combined multi-material and speedy production platform that will include conductive and functional materials. While awaiting the completion of this platform, the 3D printing company will be Google's Motorola Department's exclusive partner in manufacturing 3D-printed Ara smartphone casings and modules.
However, details about how to make the products and the progress of the development of the product is still unknown and a model of the modular smartphone will surely not going to be available anytime soon.
3D Systems is the company that produced the very first 3D printer in the early 1980s and has created 3D-printing technologies for both the personal and industrial markets. In fact, it is currently in a deal with the Framingham, Massachusetts-based Staples, Inc., a large office chain supply chain store, with more than 2,000 stores in 26 countries around the world, for the development of Cube 3D Printer.
According to techhive.com, one of these days, who knows, "it might follow the Moto Maker model which allows users to design a Moto X online, after which they are assembled in a Texas plant and shipped to customers directly—no retail middleman necessary."
