Designers work in open space in a room; their movements are recorded with motion capture devices. The pen strokes are then made into 3D digital files. These files are sent, in turn, to a rapid prototyping device that fabricates the object out of liquid plastic.
This is so futuristic it's almost out of place on a science fiction site - the only precursor I can think of for this idea is not sf but pure children's fantasy.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
Illustrating Classic Heinlein With AI
'Stasis, cold sleep, hibernation, hypothermia, reduced metabolism, call it what you will - the logistics-medicine research teams had found a way to stack people like cordwood and use them when needed.'
Deflector Plasma Screen For Drones ala Star Wars
'If the enemy persists in attacking or even intensifies their power, the density of the plasma in space will suddenly increase, causing it to reflect most of the incoming energy like a mirror.'