[Photo Sparks] Drones, 3D printers and MakerSpaces: product showcase from Communicasia 2015

PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In this three-part photo essay, we showcase new products and startups at the annual Communicasia conference and expo in Singapore!

In the earlier 45 posts, we brought you a wide range of creative photographs from an art fair, world music festival, painting fair, telecom expo, art museum, mobile showcase, math museum, social hackathon, bookstore, co-working space, sensorium, international design week, flower show, outdoor ads, startup roadshow, computer museum, startup T-shirts, business cards, art therapy, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, Vesak, jazz festival, modern art gallery, ecopreneurs, painter-poets, health activists, eNGOs and digital innovators.

This week, we are back again at Asia’s No.1 communications event, Communicasia in Singapore. From broadcast and mobile technology to manufacturing tools and makerspaces, the exhibits cover the full spectrum of products and services across five massive halls. Check out the range of gadgets and services below – which of these would you like to have, or maybe create? 

Invasion of the drones: Chinese company AEE has developed a range of Drone Quadcopters with built-in cameras. Some of the Toruk models can be airborne for up to 25 minutes and 500 metres altitude. HD video can be recorded, and the drone can even be controlled via a smartphone app.

Shop till you drop: Instant9 is a Thai shopping app that lets retailers target profiled users with bargains, special offers and customised products. It also offers electronic coupons and vouchers, and is downloadable as an Android or iPhone app.

Make your world: South Korean company Daegun Tech has produced a range of 3D printers branded as MyD (‘make your design’). The company has been supplying manufacturing tools to Samsung, and is now branching out into Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers and the export market.

The doctor is IN: Forgot your appointment with your dentist or doctor? The Appoint+ app will send you reminders from your dental clinic, skin clinic or even pet hospital. The app was launched last month and is available in two languages, English and Thai.

Green car: Students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have built the NV8, an urban solar electric car with an innovative 3D-printed body shell. It was designed to participate in the annual Shell Eco-marathon Asia as well, and can reach speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour.

Return of VR: The Oculus virtual reality (VR) headset is designed for immersive gaming and a range of other applications including film and interactive communication. VR seems to be back with a bang, after much hype 10-15 years ago, and is being used by regional companies such as FXmedia.

Garbage full, garbage out: Developed by Singapore company Mobiquest, netBin is a smart waste management system. The garbage bins have sensors which send out alerts when the bins are full, thus preventing overflow and letting cleaners schedule their visits accordingly. Singapore is, after all, one of the cleanest cities in the world.

Scans and clones? Sona Global is a Korean company making 3D scanners for generating images and models of products and even the human body. The startup has developed a range of portable scanners which can be used in clothing stores, fitness centres and theme parks.

Make, awake: What is a great way to spread the culture of innovation (other than via the Internet)? MakerSpaces! Maker Asia, founded in 2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, aims to be Asia’s leading platform for IoT and other digital products. It aggregates technical know-how and develops talent and assets in the open-hardware space.

Innovation on the road: Another way to spread the culture of innovation is via the Lab on Wheels, developed by the InfoComm Development Authority of Singapore. The bus has a number of gadgets which students can tinker with, such as robots and drones, and is a part of the Smart Nation initiative. Now imagine if YourStory could also develop such buses to spread innovative products and markerspaces to Indian towns and villages!

Got a creative photograph to share? Email us at [email protected]!

See also the YourStory pocketbook ‘Proverbs and Quotes for Entrepreneurs: A World of Inspiration for Startups,’ accessible as apps for Apple and Android devices.