Yahoo Japan has developed a voice-activated Internet search which connects to a 3D printer, letting users search for blueprints to print solid objects quickly.
Dubbed ‘Hands On Search’, it searches the web for data that could be used to print palm-sized miniatures of a variety of items.
The tech giant has delivered the new 3D search engine to the Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, which will have it until October, when it will be sent to other Japanese institutions.
Yahoo has no firm plans to make the development available for the public yet.
3D printing works by depositing multiple layers of plastic or other materials to create almost anything, such as toys, tools and kitchen hardware.
Considered as the future of technology for both researchers and consumers, it has been used to print guns and other weapons as well and is expected to transform the manufacturing industry.
