Latest From Mobile Phone Wolrd - Beautiful Table Future-Proofed with Digital DNA

[~IronMan~]

John Kestner's table may look old-fashioned, but it's as high tech as you can get


Supermechanical brings craftsmanship into the computer age. Instead of churning out endlessly dull and ever-lower quality MDF rubbish, Supermechanical instead uses computer-controlled tools to do the same work as a human craftsman. This means high-quality, long-lasting furniture at reasonable prices.

And as you’d expect from an MIT startup, it comes with a geeky twist.

The man behind Supermechanical is John Kestner, previously seen on Gadget Lab with his Proverbial Wallets, connected billfolds which modified their behavior depending on your bank balance. His rev–>table, seen above, is equally thought-provoking. The top is cut from solid wood and the rolled steel legs are “laser cut from cold-rolled steel, bent on computer-controlled press brakes, and then finished with an industrial-grade powdercoat.” This is furniture that will last.



All of the CAD files needed to make the table are on this etched metal plate


When the table finally breaks, or is just plain worn out, its life still isn’t over. Laser etched into an aluminum plate on the tabletop, in a form readable by any cellphone with a camera, are the blueprints, or “digital DNA” of the piece. The plate contains the DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) file necessary to make replacement parts. It’s like a starfish growing back a lost leg, only less creepy.

But it’s not just about making future heirlooms. Kestner says that manufacturing could be brought back to the U.S by exploiting “technology and creativity.” And it wouldn’t necessarily take place in big, faraway factories. Small, high-tech workshops close to home would be flexible, economical and convenient.

And the table? You can buy one over at another MIT startup, Curisma, for just $500. That’s in introductory offer, but even the full price of $667 is pretty good.

rev–>table [Supermechanical. Thanks, John!]

See Also:

• MIT's Wallets Swell, Buzz and Clamp Down on Digital Spending …
• Voila! Create Your Own Furniture Out of Thin Air

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