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12.16.2016 | DIGS.NET 113 From drones to 3D printing, these scientific breakthroughs are set to change not only the way builders operate, but the way we live as well. W R I T T E N BY W E N DY B OW M A N P H OTO S C O U R T ES Y O F LO C A L M OTO R S A N D K K R E AT I O N S The Tech Set Chicago-based software developer John Ellis began his career at Motorola 26 years ago, creating products that are part of today's mobile revolution—think the country's first mobile device third-party developer program that has since led to the Google and Apple app stores. He went on to work as a global technologist for Ford Motor Co.'s connected car business unit, where he helped develop technology to integrate mobile devices into automobiles— now known as Google's Android Auto and Apple's Car Play. Meanwhile, Ellis formed his own management-consulting firm (Ellis & Associates) in 1997 to teach clients how to conduct business effectively overseas, but now serves clients in the space where automotive, consumer, connectivity and software intersect. Here, the high-tech pioneer discusses five technologies that are set to change the face of residential and commercial building in the coming years, some of which already are taking place right here in L.A. How did you arrive at these five specific technologies? I picked ones that I thought were the most transformative for anyone working in the space, whether a contractor, owner of a construction company or a regulator, such as an inspector. I tried to pick technologies that were real; none of this is science fiction. These are all demonstrative, thought-provoking, and challenge people in terms of the automation, chemicals and chemistry or cool things you can do with construction. Tell us about how each of these five technologies is expected to change the future of building. 3D printing. This is the ability to take a printer and print an object in 3D. Think of Star Trek and the replicator [a machine capable of creating and recycling objects]. You would open up a cage, and out would come something from thin air; it's an incredible area. In May 2016, Dubai was able to demonstrate a 2,300-square-foot office building that was completely 3D-built. The objects inside of it were 3D-built as well, with the exception of electric wiring and glass. There were significant cost savings in terms of the number of employees and the amount of time it took to finish the building. This was a demonstration by the government to prove the efficacy of 3D building, and they eventually want half or three-quarters of the buildings in Dubai to be printed as opposed to being built onsite. China also has a 10,000-square-foot home that was 3D-built. Certainly, some of these exercises are almost extreme examples to prove something. e world's rst 3D printed oce building is home to the Dubai Future Foundation, providing space for oces, workshops and events. High-tech pioneer John Ellis