Amazon patents trucks with built-in 3D printers

Amazon has filed a patent application describing a “mobile factory” by placing a 3D printer in a truck. During the trip to a customer, the 3d printer could print a certain product.

According to Amazon’s patent application, the concept has two advantages. For example, the customer does not have to wait as long for an ordered product and Amazon needs less warehouse space because a product only needs to be produced as soon as demand arises. According to the web store, traditional slow delivery methods leave customers dissatisfied and put a strain on bottom line.

A truck with a 3D printer can potentially significantly reduce the delivery time of certain goods. For example, Amazon could send an stl file to the 3D printer in the truck, while the truck is already on its way to the customer. Certain spare parts, among other things, would be relatively easy and sufficiently fast to print.

Amazon has been researching methods to reduce delivery times for some time. For example, the company is working on a drone to deliver goods, but new rules from the FCC seem to have suppressed this method.