Why do we need makerspaces

So many great ideas have been realized in makerspaces. Some ideas have improved the life of one person, others have changed the world. Here are a couple of stories. Please add your own.

Square

A mobile payment device and app that revolutionized the transfer of money for merchants and private persons. The first prototype device was created on an injection molding machine at a makerspace. [1]

Oru Kayak

High performance, folding kayaks for all types of paddlers. Oru kayaks are easy to transport and store, letting you explore like never before. Many prototypes were created at a makerspace. [2]

Embrace Innovations

An India based social enterprise that develops disruptive healthcare technologies focused on reducing infant and maternal deaths in emerging markets. The team developed a blanket that is used to keep premature infants warm for several hours while they are transported to a facility with an infant incubator. The team developed prototypes in a makerspace and the chance interaction with another maker member led to the selection of a high performance polymer to fill the blanket.

Fit3D

A body fat measurement and fitness assessment system using a whole body 3D scanner. The scan allows body shape measurement and visualization. Developed in a makerspace. [3]

Boosted Boards

An electric longboard for commuters. Revolutionizing the personal transportation sector. Developed in a makerspace. Boosted Boards

Lumio

A desk light in a book. Lumio

Dodo Case

A novel bamboo case for the iPad. President Obama had one. Dodo Case