Imagine a world where cities are self-sufficient, sustainable, and productive. Where communities thrive on local innovation and creativity. This vision is not so distant, thanks to the Fab Lab movement and its annual gathering, FAB10. This year, FAB10 celebrates its 10th anniversary in Barcelona, bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and change-makers in digital manufacturing.
FAB10: A Catalyst for Change
FAB10 is a melting pot of ideas, projects, and collaborations. Organized by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IaaC), Barcelona City Council, the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT, and the Fab Foundation, FAB10 has become a platform for sharing experiences and evolving projects in digital manufacturing.
Three Pillars of FAB10
The event consists of three main areas:
- Fab Conference: A gathering of international Fab Labs for small-scale conferences and workshops, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
- Fab Festival: Open to the public during the weekend, the Fab Festival features conferences, workshops, and activities for adults and children, showcasing the latest advancements in digital manufacturing.
- Fab City Symposium: A gathering of international experts in digital manufacturing, including keynote speakers like Neil Gershenfeld, Bill McDonough, and Massimo Banzi, discussing the transition from Fab Labs to Fab Cities, emphasizing sustainability and reindustrialization.
From Fab Labs to Fab Cities
FAB10 focuses on the transition from Fab Labs to Fab Cities, recognizing the potential of digital manufacturing to transform urban environments. Fab Cities are self-sufficient, sustainable, and productive, relying on local resources and innovation. They empower communities to create solutions to local challenges, fostering economic development and social inclusion.
Key Issues at FAB10
FAB10 addresses critical issues in digital manufacturing, including:
- Emerging Communities: Exploring the role of Fab Labs in fostering community engagement, collaboration, and innovation.
- Digital Manufacturing: Discussing the latest advancements in digital fabrication technologies, open-source hardware, and software.
- Productive Cities: Investigating how digital manufacturing can contribute to sustainable urban development, job creation, and economic growth.
iRobota’s Presence at FAB10
iRobota, a prominent open-source electronics platform, will actively participate in FAB10 with various talks and workshops. iRobota Workshops at FabFestival cover diverse topics, from basic iRobota to wearables, Internet of Things (IoT), laser cutting, sketching, e-jewelry, and paper airplane design.
FAB10: Shaping the Future
FAB10 is more than just an event; it’s a movement. It brings together a global community of innovators, makers, and change-makers, united by a shared vision of a better future. FAB10 explores the potential of Fab Labs in shaping self-sufficient, sustainable, and productive cities of the future, where communities thrive on local innovation and creativity.
Bonus: Neil Gershenfeld, Director of the Center for Bits and Atoms at MIT, emphasizes the importance of Fab Labs in empowering communities: “Fab Labs are not just about making things; they’re about making change.”
FAB10 is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the belief that together, we can create a better world.
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