Smart energy use that minimizes consumption of fossil fuels is the heart of sustainable design. We develop products and services for buildings and transportation systems incorporating renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. We also create communications, outreach and education programs supporting smart energy strategies.
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Factory in a Cloud; Part 2
In the previous post I outlined the prospect for cloud based do it yourself (DIY) digital manufacturing. I described a test of this capability using the fabrication (fabbing) service, Ponoko, to make the parts for a lamp of my design, using laser cut acrylic sheet and 3D printed polymer. My goal for the project was [...]
Factory in a Cloud Part 1
Can you design and create a tangible product from your desktop, using cloud based digital manufacturing? The answer so far is yes, but a UPS delivery in the near future will tell for sure. We’re testing Ponoko.
Fabbing Our Way to Recovery; Digital Design, Fabrication and the Internet of Things
Several related developments in computing and technology suggest intriguing prospects for the world of design, plus tantalizing opportunities for domestic manufacturing and economic development.
Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication uses computer controlled tools, such as laser cutters, routers and three dimensional printers to make parts and assemblies. Formerly, such work required expensive molds or cutting and shaping with [...]
the retail end of the smart grid; consumers first!
The smart grid has been promoted as key to this country’s energy future; an intelligent network tying together power production, transmission, distribution and consumption; reacting in real time, matching supply and demand. At the residential, “retail” end of the smart grid, conventional marketing wisdom has it that a utility installed smart meter will facilitate home [...]
the priority for sustainable cities
I was recently asked what could be done to advance the concept of a sustanable city. I replied that as much as I like cars as interesting mechanical devices, ultimately, and at almost every scale, demography and geography a city that can reduce its reliance on private automobiles will be a more livable place – with a better [...]