Creality has issued an interesting 3D printer operator survey, and it hints at what might be coming.
automation
Humanoid Robots, the Question of Human Work, and 3D Printing
Charles G. Goulding raises the key question: How effectively can humanoid robots perform work traditionally done by humans?
Chemnitz Team Uses AI To Control FFF Flow
Chemnitz researchers just showed a low cost, vision and AI approach that models and controls Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) extrusion to improve accuracy without endless slicer tweaks.
The Bambu Lab / Open Source Dispute Is Not What You Think It Is
There’s something going on with the Bambu Lab / Open Source situation, and it is not what you think.
On Schaeffler’s Factory Floor, Robots and 3D Printers Are Rewriting the Rules
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe break down how Schaeffler is blending automation and additive manufacturing to tackle labor shortages and redefine production flexibility.
PALFINGER Expands into Robotic Construction with ICON Collaboration
Charles R. Goulding and Aaron Rofe highlight PALFINGER’s strategic pivot into automation and how its collaboration with ICON could accelerate the future of digital construction.
Lincoln Electric at AM Strategies Conference: Turning Talk into Industrial Reality
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi reveal how a 130-year-old welding giant is quietly leading the future of large-scale metal 3D printing.
Inside HP’s Vision at Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2026
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe spotlight a pivotal moment at Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2026, where Arvind Rangarajan outlined a clear path to industrial-scale 3D printing.
Hitem3D Integration with OpenClaw Enables Automated AI-Driven 3D Model Generation
For those into AI tools, there is now a very intriguing option to use Hitem3D in workflows.
Robotic Arm 3D Food Printing Targets Kitchen Automation
Researchers examined the idea of using robotic arms for 3D food printing and what it would really take to automate kitchens.
3DQue Introduces Lifetime Licensing Option for AutoFarm3D
3DQue now has a new option for growing 3D print farms.
Teradyne’s Robotics and Test Equipment in the Era of 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Nimra Shakoor show how companies like Teradyne are removing bottlenecks and keeping pace with rising AI chip complexity.
Five Breakthrough Industries Shaping 2026 — and Why Additive Manufacturing Is Embedded in All of Them
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi predict which industries will have the most significant impact in 2026.
Industrial AI and the Next Revolution: Siemens and NVIDIA at CES 2026
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi spotlight why Siemens believes AI-driven digital twins are now as essential to industry as electricity once was, and how NVIDIA’s computing power makes that vision real.
SharpaWave: The Robotic Hand that is the Wave of the Future for 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi connect the dots between a new mass-produced robotic hand, decades of end-effector engineering, and the expanding role of 3D printing in building smarter machines.
New Free Looprint Utility Enables Hands-Free Batch Production
Looprint could be one of the most useful free utilities for Bambu Lab 3D printer operators.
Creality Quietly Introduces New “Spark X” Brand Focused on Automated, AI-Enhanced 3D Printing
Creality quietly announced something called “Spark X” last week.
Automated 3D Print Farm Achieves China-Level Costs, Raising New Questions
There has long been the idea that 3D printing will “bring back manufacturing”, but is that ever going to happen?
How Automation and 3D Printing Are Rewriting the Commercial Laundry Playbook
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi show how automation and 3D printing are reshaping the commercial laundry industry and the companies driving that shift.
Infinity Flow’s Dual-Spool S1 Plus and Cloud-Based FlowQ Enable Continuous 3D Printing
Infinity Flow produces a series of automation solutions for desktop 3D printers.
PostProcess Launches DEMI X 5000, a Large-Format Dual-Agitation Resin Cleaning System
PostProcess announced a rather interesting new resin cleaning system, the DEMI X 5000.
CMU Researchers Use AI to Autonomously Manage 3D Printing Workflows on FFF Systems
Researchers have found a way to use AI to autonomously control 3D print workflows.
How AI Could Reshape the Workflow of Designing and 3D Printing Parts
I’ve been thinking about recent developments in AI technology and how they might dramatically change how we make parts.
Fully Automated Resin 3D Printing Demonstrates Path to Mass Manufacturing
A fully automated resin 3D printing system has been set up.
Velcro-Inspired 3D Printing Innovation Could Transform Reusable and Modular Construction
Researchers at TU Graz have developed a 3D printable “hook and loop” fastener for building components.
How The Rodon Group Is Reinventing U.S. Manufacturing with 3D Printing and Robots
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explain how The Rodon Group is using 3D printing, robotics, and automation to lead a new era of American manufacturing.
Roboze and Comau Aim to Simplify Factory Integration With Affordable 3D Printing Automation
Roboze has inked a partnership deal with Italian automation company Comau.
New 3DQue Door Opener Enables Full Automation for Bambu Lab Print Farms
3DQue announced a new 3D printer automation product, the AutoFarm3D Door Opener.
Robots, R&D, and 3D Printing: ABB’s Big Break from the Past
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explain how ABB’s robotics spinoff could reshape automotive manufacturing through 3D printing, AI integration, and powerful R&D tax advantages.
Almond AI Launches Robot-as-a-Service Platform to Automate 3D Printer Operations
Need a robot to help operate your 3D printers? An Almond Bot can do that. A new company, Almond AI, is marketing a robotic solution for manufacturing equipment automation. They offer a “robot as a service” that can perform inspection, pick & place functions, and automatically tend to machines — and that’s the function we’re… Continue reading Almond AI Launches Robot-as-a-Service Platform to Automate 3D Printer Operations
3D Printers Are the New Lab Techs—And They’re Changing Everything
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discover how 3D printing is transforming laboratories into agile, automated powerhouses—pushing facility design, scientific speed, and R&D incentives into the future.
MISUMI Acquires Fictiv to Expand Digital Manufacturing and On-Demand Services
There’s been a big development in manufacturing services: Fictiv has been acquired by MISUMI.
Design of the Week: Open Source FLUID Robot
This week’s selection is the Flowing Liquid Utilizing Interactive Device by researchers at Hokkaido University.
Additive Advantage: The Role of 3D Printing in U.S. Manufacturing’s Comeback
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explain how six industrial leaders are using 3D printing to build smarter, greener, and more automated U.S. manufacturing facilities.
The Rise of Humanoid Robots: AI, 3D Printing, and the Future of Automation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi reveal how 3D printing, AI, and automation are driving the rise of humanoid robots, with major players like Apptronik, Tesla, and Google leading the charge.
nTop Takes a Major Step Toward AI-Powered Design with CloudFluid Acquisition
nTop is making a significant acquisition.
Oshkosh Corporation Wins Big at CES 2025—And 3D Printing Is Key to Its Success
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi unearth how Oshkosh Corporation’s award-winning HARR-E™ and advanced 3D printing initiatives are revolutionizing the specialty vehicle industry while unlocking R&D tax credit opportunities.
From AI Chips to Humanoid Systems: How NVIDIA Is Shaping Tomorrow’s Robotics
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe investigate how NVIDIA’s pivot to generative physical AI, innovative platforms like Jetson Thor, and advances in 3D printing are revolutionizing the robotics industry.
Labor Shortages and Tech Solutions: U.S. Manufacturing’s Resilient Future
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi highlight how U.S. manufacturers like Jones Plastic & Engineering combat labor shortages by leveraging 3D printing, automation, and strategic innovation.
Honeywell at a Crossroads: Splits, 3D Printing, and a US$5 Billion Shakeup
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi describe Honeywell’s journey through aerospace breakthroughs and automation innovation sets the stage for Elliott’s $5 billion-driven restructuring proposal.
Roboze Unveils SlizeR: Faster, Smarter 3D Print Slicing Software
Roboze announced a new slicing software tool, “SlizeR”.
Siemens’ Bold Move to Acquire Altair
In this analysis, Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi unpack Siemens’ move to acquire Altair and what it means for the future of 3D printing and industrial automation.
Striking a Balance: Global Port Automation and the Future of Dock Workers
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi delve into how automation and 3D printing are redefining global port operations and what this means for the workforce.
The Challenges of Standardizing 3D Printer Spools: Will It Ever Happen?
Spools should really be standardized across 3D printing, but that’s never going to happen.
Transforming Industry: Siemens’ Integration of 3D Printing and Automation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi delve into Siemens’ groundbreaking announcement from Charlotte, showcasing the transformative potential of additive manufacturing in industrial automation.
Engineering the Future: How Stabilus and De-Sta-Co are Revolutionizing Motion Control
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi delve into how Stabilus’s acquisition of De-Sta-Co and the integration of 3D printing technologies are set to revolutionize the engineering and motion control sectors.
Honeywell’s US$5B Bet on Carrier: Shaking Up the Security and Automation Game
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine how Honeywell’s $5 billion acquisition of Carrier’s security division and the embrace of 3D printing technology are reshaping the industrial landscape.
AM-Flow Tackles Post-Processing Challenges with Advanced Automation Features
AM-Flow is quietly building up an impressive portfolio of automation functions for additive manufacturing.
Stratasys Partners with Morris: A New Era for Additive Manufacturing in the US
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss Robert E. Morris’ groundbreaking agreement with Stratasys to integrate additive manufacturing solutions into machine shops and manufacturing facilities.
Understanding Bed Leveling in FFF 3D Printers
How, exactly, does “bed leveling” work on a FFF 3D printer?
JobOx to Automate 3D Printing on the Bambu Lab A1 Mini
A curious post on Reddit described a system under development for continuous 3D printing on Bambu Lab desktop 3D printers.
Carbon’s AO Stack Triples the Output for M2 and M3 Printers
Carbon announced a new component to their AO Suite: AO Stack.
Hands On With The Creality K1C 3D Printer, Part 3
Our review of the Creality K1C 3D Printer concludes with a look at software, print results and final thoughts.
Hands On With The Creality K1C 3D Printer, Part 2
Our review of the Creality K1C 3D Printer continues with a look at operations.
Hands On With The Creality K1C 3D Printer, Part 1
We were very privileged to be able to give the Creality K1C 3D Printer a thorough test. It’s quite an impressive Creality K1C 3D Printer that has many capabilities.
Industry 4.0 and Solving Homelessness: An Interview with Arjun Chandar
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi sit down with Arjun Chandar, founder and CEO of IndustrialML, to discuss his ventures in technology and research.
3DQue’s Auto-Eject Feature Now Available for Bambu Lab Equipment
3DQue announced they’ve released an auto-ejection capability for Bambu Lab equipment.
Lean Robotics: Paving the Way for More Efficient Robot Deployment in Manufacturing
Charles R. Goulding reviews a new book on lean robotics, where 3D printing can take a lead role.
Hands On With The Bambu Lab A1 mini, Part 4
Our review of the Bambu Lab mini A1 concludes with software, print results and final thoughts.
Hands On With The Bambu Lab A1 mini, Part 3
Our review of the Bambu Lab mini A1 continues with a look at operations.
Hands On With The Bambu Lab A1 mini, Part 2
Our review of the Bambu Lab mini A1 continues with assembly and setup.
Hands On With The Bambu Lab A1 mini, Part 1
With great anticipation, we have been able to test our first machine from Bambu Lab, their new mini A1.
E3D and Bambu Lab Collaboration Elevates 3D Printer Performance with New Upgrade Kit
The Bambu Lab ecosystem is expanding with other suppliers.
Innovative Technologies Reshaping the Construction Industry
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss the transformative shift in the construction industry towards integrating advanced technologies like 3D printing and automation.
Mosaic Manufacturing Launches the Innovative Array / Element System
At long last, Mosaic Manufacturing finally released their sophisticated Array / Element system.
Big Implications from Bambu Lab’s A1 Mini
I’ve been thinking about Bambu Lab’s latest 3D printer announcement, and there are several important implications.
The A1 Mini: Bambu Lab’s Affordable 3D Printer with Premium Features
Bambu Lab announced an entirely new desktop 3D printer, the A1 mini, and an associated multi-material system.
Sensors and AI: The Next Frontier in Enhancing 3D Printing Technology
I’ve thinking a lot lately about sensors on 3D printers.
Automate Your Prusa: Meet JobOx – The Mini-Factory for 3D Printing
Want to transform your Prusa 3D printer into a mini-factory? Enter “JobOx”.
From Cobots to Humanoids: The Evolution of Robots in Warehouses
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss the increase and integration of humanoid robots in manufacturing and warehouses.
The Future of Grocery Shopping: Hands-Free, Human-Free Checkout Experience
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss supermarkets embracing automation technologies, such as contactless pickup.
Introducing Integrated Order Management: 3DQue’s AutoFarm3D 3.7 Available
3DQue’s latest release of their AutoFarm3D system takes operations to a new level.
The Role of 3D Printing in Tackling Labor Shortages in the Defense Industry
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi foresee increased use of 3D printing in defense applications.
Streamline Your Post-Processing Workflow with AM Solutions’ Automated S2 Technology
If you think cleaning and smoothing 3D prints is easy, think again, and take a look at AM Solutions’ technology.
Maximizing Efficiency with Formlabs’ Innovative Automation Ecosystem
We recently had a conversation with Max Lobovsky, the founder of Formlabs, concerning the company’s latest advances.
AM-Flow Demonstrates Game-Changing Bagging System for 3D Print Factories
AM-Flow showcased an intriguing bagging system for 3D printed parts.
Enhancing Manufacturing Automation: AMFG Partners with RapidMade
AMFG recently announced a significant partnership with RapidMade.
Combining Robots and 3D Printing to Fuel Growing Restaurant Automation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi review recent examples of restaurants leveraging 3D printing robotics to provide automation.
Formlabs Introduces Automation Ecosystem for 3D Printing
Formlabs today announced an automated manufacturing system that leverages their 3D print technology.
AM-Flow Makes 3D Printing at Scale Simpler with Automation
3D printing at scale just might get a lot simpler with AM-Flow’s automation solution.
The Need For Standardized 3D Print Bins
I had an idea after roving around Formnext 2022, and it has to do with post processing.
Why Stratasys Showed a Robotic System They Don’t Even Sell
At Formnext 2022, Stratasys featured a product they don’t even sell.
Formnext 2022: Back To Normal… Or Not?
We just completed the epic Formnext exhibition and have some thoughts.
3DQue Offers Automated 3D Printing on Many 3D Printer Models
3DQue announced a new service, AutoPrint3D, which provides the software necessary to drive continuous 3D printing.
AMT Looking To Develop Smart Metal AM Post Processing Capability
AMT is secretly working on metal post processing equipment.
3D Print Automation: Much More To Come
The shift from prototyping to production implies a great deal more automation must take place in 3D printing.
Planning Your Automation Project
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explain how their clients have tackled manufacturing automation.
SmartZavod Tackles Fully Automated Multimaterial Manufacturing
A German-Ukrainian startup has developed a new system for not only 3D printing, but multifunction manufacturing.
3DQue’s Manufacturing Ambitions Coming True
I spoke with 3DQue representatives to find out the latest on their unusual 3D printing technology.
3DQue Adds Automation Capability For More 3D Printers
3DQue announced the availability of their 3D printer automation system for several new 3D printer models.
3DQue Developing Inexpensive Metal 3D Printing Solution
3DQue announced the results of an internal study exploring ways to inexpensively 3D print metal objects.
Wemake Answers Questions About Their Belt 3D Printer Kit
Wemake answered our questions regarding their prototype belt ejection system for desktop 3D printers.
Digital Metal Launches DPS 1000
Digital Metal announced an accessory for their popular DM P2500 high-resolution metal 3D printer.
3YOURMIND Raises US$12.4M
3YOURMIND announced they’ve received a massive investment of US$12.4M.
Bastian Solutions And 3D Printing For Automation
Charles R. Goulding considers advances in automation and where 3D printing fits into this new workflow.