DISQUS

I believe that the 3DConnexion mice are just a glimpse into what the future of CAD user interfaces and input devices has in store for us. At the rate hardware is advancing, the possibilities almost seem endless. I envision a world where designers can manipulate parts assemblies in a 3D 'virtual reality' environment; think holideck from StarTrek. An environment like this would allow for huge advancements in fit and function scenarios that current rapid prototyping methods cannot handle, as well as a whole new level of FEA analysis capabilities. The most challenging of today's design problems may one day be able to be 100% prototyped in a virtual environment with real life physical dynamics. It sounds sci-fi, but think of how many of the technologies we already have today would have sounded 10 or 20 years ago. I believe the future will only continue to amaze us.