3d printing is a process that is readily available, though often takes a considerable amount of time to process and print, if ordering from a overly busy vendor. Recognizing this problem, a team at the UC Berkeley campus created Dreambox, a high-tech, one-of-a-kind vending machine.

What’s so special about this vending machine? It creates 3d prints from uploaded renderings that start the moment designs are uploaded, eliminating the lead-time many consumers often face when ordering from an online vendor or print shop.

Users interested in using Dreambox must upload their design to the cloud-based computing system installed in the machine. Uploaded renderings are then processed, printed, and stored in a locked drawer in the lower half of the machine. When the print is complete, users are messaged an unlock code which opens the drawer containing their 3d print model.

See the below video for an inside look at Dreambox:

Dreambox