Dubbed Forth, this platform is a crowd-powered, Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that enables companies to transform and digitize their product development process using co-creation and micro-manufacturing. The launch should prove to advance product development on everything from small appliances to cargo drones for startups around the world. Not only is the technology in Forth going to revolutionize how products get developed, but it also speaks to the professional model of Local Motors. They have used co-creation and micro-manufacturing to put their company on the map, with the Rally Fighter, the world’s first co-created vehicle; the Strati, the first 3D-printed car; and most recently Olli, the first cognitive, autonomous vehicle with IBM Watson technology. And if they can change the automotive landscape, what’s next? The importance of this kind of platform is more than obvious. As technology improves, more and more great ideas are falling by the wayside because they can’t compete with more technologically savvy competitors. With Forth, even the dimmest startup founders will be able to turn their genius idea into a reality. And that’s good for business. If you’re interested on hearing more about Local Motors and their revolutionary new platform, make sure to come to Innovate! and Celebrate next week. Justin Fishkin, chief strategy officer at Local Motors, will be giving a talk about sustainability and the shifting automotive landscape that will put everything in perspective.
