As the internet and technology rapidly evolve, so do the best furniture design and manufacturing practices. In fact, technologies and the furniture industry have become inseparable. However, the technological revolution is hardly over yet.

Some of the emerging technologies continue to reshape the furniture landscape as we know it. Below you can find all about them and also how they are impacting furniture design and manufacturing.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is software that enables computers to interact with human users, learn from experience, create something new, and identify patterns and trends. What does the AI have to do anything with furniture design?

At the moment, AI can, with a little bit of human help, design brand new furniture pieces. But given that these algorithms can learn, we should expect to see an AI capable of doing it without any help very soon. In furniture manufacturing, AI can help in repetitive task automation, identify bottlenecks in the production process, and improve manufacturing processes.

3D Printing

Good afternoon, can you please print a dozen of computer chairs for my office, please? Yes, it does sound like something you can only see in the Star Trek series. However, 3D printing technology made it possible to impact both furniture manufacturing and design.

Modern 3D printers can glue together tiny grains of concrete, metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics. These devices can literally print any 3D model you may have. You can take your digital file with you or send it wherever you want the furniture to be printed.

Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) refers to smart devices and sensors interconnected via the internet. These devices can do various things, such as gathering valuable data, extending the functionality of items they are connected to, or simply send push notifications.

People seem to love the convenience and usability of IoT. Furniture with the internet? Yes, furniture that can improve the quality of life. Imagine being reminded of an important meeting just after you take a nap on your comfy sofa or your office storage cabinet telling you that you are about to run out of printing paper.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) combines the best of the natural world and virtual reality. It allows furniture designers to bring their ideas to life. It can streamline the design process and improve the workflow. As a result, customers can use AR to see precisely how some piece of furniture fits in their home or office space.

Imagine you see attractive and yet practical office desks. Without AR you can only buy them and wait to see how they fit in only after they arrive. With AR you can simply take your phone out and fill your room with realistic furniture renderings in real-time.

Final Thoughts

These four emerging technologies will continue to impact furniture design and manufacturing. Since they offer many perks, it is safe to assume that they will become the furniture industry standards.