Every so often, a disruptive technology comes along, and nothing is ever the same again, says Richard van As, inventor of the RoboBeast 3D printer.
Van As will present a case study at ITWeb Digital Economy Summit 2015, taking place in Johannesburg on 21 April. During his presentation: "This changes everything: 3D printing is the next revolution", Van As will demonstrate how he used his knowledge and skills in a life-changing manner to pave the way for factories of the future.
Van As is a South African entrepreneur, who lost four fingers from his right hand. When asked how he coped with this life-changing experience, he responded: "Doesn't greatness often come from adversity, and if you enable one, you enable many?"
Van As invented the RoboHand, a 3D-printed mechanical limb, which has changed the lives of thousands of amputees around the world. His designs have been downloaded for free over 200 000 times.
His mission to find a suitable 3D printer for his designs only led to frustration due to the limitations of available 3D printers, so he decided to develop his own.
Van As notes 3D printing will be life-changing, not only for individuals, but for organisations, and it's not something to be ignored. This technology will create businesses and careers that no one even knew existed, and it's only just the beginning.
"Organisations that don't adopt this technology within the next year will be left behind. Forward-thinking engineering, architectural, manufacturing and industrial design companies that have this secret weapon are already surging ahead."
He emphasises the importance of 3D printing, and how it can be used to change the world. Van As has been invited to speak at the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Health conference in Doha, and the CUSP conference in Chicago.
He was nominated for the Rockefeller Innovators Award and has held exhibitions at the Science Museum of London and the Youngstown Museum. He was featured in Time Magazine and has made international appearances on CNBC, Fox and NPR. Popular Mechanics recently picked his product as the Editor's Choice, and last month, Carte Blanche hailed his inventions.
Joining Van As at the event is economist Mike Schussler. He will discuss the digital economy in a global market - the transformation of economic fundamentals. During his presentation, he will explore the growth of the digital economy and how it is already impacting on the global economy, as well as competition in and across market sectors.
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