Downloadable sneakers may become reality sooner than later, but for now one of the main barriers stopping 3D printers from gaining widespread appeal is the massive price tag.
The RoBo aims to change that, however -- and if early reaction on Kickstarter is any indication, this 3D printer could become a massive hit with consumers. With 32 days left in its campaign, the RoBo has already raised a whopping $78,000 after setting an initial goal of just $49,000.
So what's got all those backers so excited? It likely starts with the RoBo's super-affordable (relatively speaking) price point. The team behind the RoBo says it will sell for just $520, compared to most 3D printers, which have price tags well into the thousands of dollars. Another big sell for the RoBo is its convenience. Users will essentially be able to plug it in and start printing "within minutes" after bringing it home.
But the RoBo isn't the first 3D printer to become a hit on Kickstarter. Back in October, a device called the Form 1 -- which similarly looks to expand 3D printing to the masses, but appears aimed at a slightly more advanced market -- became the website's most-funded tech campaign of all time.