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. Square

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. Oru Kayak

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. Embrace Innovations

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. Fit3D

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