3D printer drones will take to skies by 2040, claim BAE scientists

[dipsydoodle]

3D printers could be so advanced by 2040 they could create small unmanned aircraft, BAE Systems claim.

These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) could then potentially be used as a group of wide-winged aircraft for protracted or enduring surveillance or as rotary-winged UAVs to rescue single civilians or soldiers from dangerous situations, the defence firm’s scientists and engineers suggest.

The researchers, who have been working on futuristic aircraft technologies, have been looking at the idea that they could be created by super hi-tech onboard 3D printers, an additive layer and robotic assembly.

The UAVs that could render themselves useless with the installation of dissolving circuit boards if they fall into enemy territory, or they might be able to land in a recoverable position if they are needed for further use.

BAE believes this could create “the ultimate adaptable taskforce, with a lead aircraft able to enter any unknown scenario and quickly manufacture an effective tool set for any task”.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/06/3d-printer-drones-2040-bae-futurist-aircraft

[enlightenment]

1. Imagine what kind of world we could have

if all the brain power that is currently directed at creating new and more efficient methods of waging war was turned instead to peaceful and positive goals.

Sigh.

[Javaman]

2. Hunter Killers...

the world of Terminator becomes real.

the world of self replicating machines.

[DetlefK]

3. Robocop as well.

Cybernetic implants and bionic limbs are making great strides.
* There is a german-japanese company "Cyberdyne" (not kidding, google it) selling strength-amplifying exoscelettons for medical purposes.
* There are promising experiments to connect a brain to a computer.
* State-of-the-art bionic limbs have a sense of touch and are steered by muscle-tension.
* German and US-scientists built a fuel-cell that turns blood-sugar into electricity. (Enough for a pacemaker.)
* Bionic eyes are on sale. They have worse performance than natural eyes (very blurry), but are better than being blind.