From Paddleballs to Prototypes: Moreno Valley's Leap Into the 3D Age

In 1952, audiences marveled as a paddleball seemed to leap from the screen in the first 3D movie, 'Bwana Devil.'

 

Today, Moreno Valley is experiencing a similar leap, but this time, it's in the realms of technology and manufacturing.

 

Across the city, innovators are harnessing 3D printing and augmented reality (AR) to transform local industries.

 

At Moreno Valley College, the iMAKE Innovation Center offers students access to cutting-edge tools like 3D printers and laser cutters.

 

This 4,150-square-foot facility serves as a hub for creativity, allowing students to design and prototype parts for drones and solar energy components.

 

Additionally, the college's iMAKE Mobile Innovation Center, one of the few mobile makerspaces in Southern California, brings these technologies directly to K-12 schools, fostering early interest in STEM fields.

 

Local entrepreneurs are also embracing these advancements.

 

By integrating AR tools, businesses can visualize prototypes and streamline manufacturing processes, reducing costs and time-to-market.

 

In the arts sector, digital sculpting and projection mapping are enabling creators to merge imagination with engineering, producing immersive experiences that captivate audiences.

 

A notable example is the city's first AR mural, 'Harmony in the Valley,' unveiled at the Conference and Recreation Center.

 

Designed by local artist Patrick Barwinski, this mural comes alive when viewed through a smartphone, symbolizing Moreno Valley's innovative spirit.

 

Just as 'Bwana Devil' gave audiences a glimpse into the future of cinema, Moreno Valley's embrace of 3D technologies offers a peek into the future of industry and art.

 

The city is not just building products; it's crafting experiences where ideas can be explored and refined before they exist in the real world.

 

The magic of 3D has transitioned from theaters to classrooms and from cameras to code, positioning Moreno Valley at the forefront of the next industrial revolution.