# Caterpillar-Inspired 3D Printers This 3D Printing Solution Could Form Uniquely Structured Objects By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-04-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3d-printing-solution References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/festo-3d-cocooner/42712/) & [festo](https://www.festo.com/group/en/cms/11958.htm) The 3D Cocooner is an exceptionally high-tech and exceedingly well designed and engineered 3D printing solution, developed by Festo's Bionic Learning Network, that is inspired by some of nature's smaller creations including caterpillars and spiders. Indeed, the way that the 3D Cocooner goes about printing material is reminiscent of the way that a spider might spin its web or a caterpillar might form its cocoon, with the end result being the creation of complicated and three-dimensional yet free-standing lattice-style structures. Ultimately, this very high-tech 3D printing solution could be used to create objects that are exceptionally strong yet flexible, and could be used to print structures and shapes that can't be built using conventional production. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Lattice-style 3D Printing:** The trend of lattice-style 3D printing allows for the creation of complex and flexible structures. - **Biomimicry-inspired Printers:** The trend of biomimicry-inspired printers opens up opportunities to replicate intricate natural structures. - **Disruptive 3D Printing Techniques:** The trend of disruptive 3D printing techniques challenges traditional manufacturing methods by enabling the creation of unique shapes. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The architecture industry can leverage lattice-style 3D printing to create innovative and structurally efficient designs. - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can benefit from biomimicry-inspired printers to produce lightweight yet strong components. - **Product Design:** The product design industry can explore disruptive 3D printing techniques to manufacture unconventional and customizable objects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mycelium-Growing 3D-Printed Scaffolds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-scaffold.md) - [Advanced 3D Printing Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibreseeker-3.md) - [3D-Printed Terracotta Cooler Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimcry-3dprinted-terracotta-cooler.md) - [Large-Format 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bambu-lab-h2s.md) - [AI-Powered Multifilament 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multifilament-3d-printer.md) - [Closed-Loop Motor 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kokoni-sota-3d-printer.md) - [Eco-Friendly 3D Printer Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-concept.md) - [Comprehensive Industrial 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimaker.md) - [Entry-Level 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kokoni-ec2.md)