The KOKONI SOTA 3D Printer Uses AI and Prints Upside Down

Though additive manufacturing is rapidly industrializing, it is important to not forget that so many of the innovations we have today were a direct result of the RepRap movement that started in 2005 (and continues to this day). Furthermore, that drive to improve 3D printers at the most basic level still continues both through established companies but also the new. Notably, through forums like Kickstarter. And yet another intriguing project has been announced: the KOKONI SOTA 3D printer.

This new solution comes from Hong Kong-based CreaTech brand KOKONI. Officially started in 2021, the company seeks to make products that can “empower people’s creativity” through the combination of 3D printing and AI. They are especially committed to making 3D printing more accessible and easy to use in order to help lower the barriers of adoption which in their view are preventing 3D printers from becoming a truly transformative tool. Their first 3D printer, KOKONI-EC1, was released in 2022 and was notably for its instant AI 3D modeling, with over 20,000 units ultimately delivered. The KOKONI SOTA 3D printer was launched on Kickstarter this year and has already more than attained its $50,049 goal, with 730 backers committed to pledging about $648,707 with 43 days to go before the end of the campaign. KOKONI claims that it is 10X faster than conventional consumer-level 3D printers and can print with up to 7 colors.

The KOKONI SOTA 3D printer with its optional filament tower

What Is Special About the KOKONI SOTA 3D Printer?

But why are so many people interested in this new printer? Well there could be a few reasons. For one, it is compatible with KOKONI’s own AI software. Users can create models on the AI-powdered KOKONI APP while advanced AI Radar Detection and error compensation will allegedly help to deliver flawless prints. Indeed, KOKONI claims that the SOTA has unparalleled precision with the margin of error less than 0.1 mm. With the conversation around AI more animated than ever more (just look at the reaction to ChatGPT), that almost definitely is a factor around the KOKONI SOTA’s buzz.