Google's Project Ara introduces the concept of modular and customisable hardware, thus potentially allowing anyone to create their own component and "that could be flexibly connected to an endoskeleton via electro-permanent magnets".
Expanding the idea to cover machines, spare parts, etc, could this be the link between 3D printing and full functional machine parts that enable consumers to let their imagination dictate their products?
it will be interesting to observe whether this will spawn a new industry based solely on design!
This is the link to the artlcle on Google's project: eandt.theiet.org/.../google-ara.cfm