About 19 years ago, the world was introduced to Star Trek: The Next Generation by Gene Roddenberry. In that science fiction television program, Chief O’Brien was called upon countless times to manipulate, modify, and repair Replicators - the technology that provided Captain Picard with his Tea, Earl Grey, Hot.
Since then, countless hobbyists, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts have attempted to get closer to reproducing that science fiction wonder. The advent of 3D printing is seen plainly for what it is, a bridge technology between science fiction and Science Fact.
I thought it would be appropriate if there were something like an Award, a Medal, for instance, named in honor of that character so frequently associated with the technology we all aspire to achieve. It will probably never be more that a meme, but who knows? A Medal for excellence and innovation in 3D printing, replicating, and design seems like a neat idea.
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