Disney, of cartoon mouse fame, has created a 3D printing technology with the capability of turning any object into one capable of emitting sound. While they’re not an obvious tech titan, Disney, actually has a fearlessly innovative R&D division, that’s tasked with creating their trademark magical experiences. Previously they've turned a fairly unremarkable plant into a working touch interface and even a musical instrument. 

A 3D printed speaker capable of producing sound without any magnets


As well creating audible sound, the speakers will be capable of producing ultrasound, inaubidle to humans but useful in the tracking of objects, making each individual object potentially part of a grander scheme of communicating local objects.

Ultrasonic range-finding in action, even if the mouse looks quite apprehensive about it.


What it means for consumer electronics is the potential for any object to be able to deliver audio reports, warnings or just sounds that enhance the experience. From the freezer door that can remind you to shut it to the electrode coated room of true-to-life sound, in moving beyond standard speakers, we’re prepared for a world of sound from every direction and every surface. Or more than likely a Mickey Mouse, that's more lifelike and 'magical' than ever.

For a full-on technical description, here's extremetech's explanation:
"The secret sauce in this breakthrough is Disney Research’s use of electrostatic speakers. Conventional speakers (in your headphones or subwoofer) use electromagnetism to move a magnet back and forth, hitting the air around it, creating sound waves (pressure waves) that your ears register as sounds. Electrostatic speakers on the other hand have no moving parts — there’s a thin, conductive diaphragm (nickel in this case) and an electrode plate, separated by a small amount of air. When current is applied to the electrode, electrostatic force deforms the diaphragm, causing it to vibrate and create sound waves.

In the case of Disney Research’s 3D speakers, the researchers use a 3D printer to create the object, and then spray on a nickel-based paint on the areas that should emit sound. The diaphragm is produced separately (also with a 3D printer) and sprayed with the same paint. By using multiple electrodes, it’s possible to control different regions of the 3D-printed object/speaker independently, too (so, it might emit different sounds from different regions). Depending on the shape of the active region, the sound might be directional (conical) or omnidirectional (spherical). The completed device is then assembled. In the future, when 3D printers can lay down multiple materials (including conductive materials), these manual steps could be omitted and the whole thing could be made in one shot."