The Innovation Countdown

1. Makerbot Replicator 2

Our list begins with one of the most versatile 3D printers in the world. At a time when customisation is everything and everyone wants something unique, the prospects of 3D printing seem limitless. Imagine a world where you enter a design for a mug, figurine, building model, chess figurine or a toy, and the printer renders it perfectly in a variety of materials and in any colour you want. It works by printing layer upon layer of the material in a finely-calibrated design as laid out by you on your computer. And it can all be done sitting in the comfort of your home! Most analysts believe 3D printing, on a sustainable basis, will be the end of manufacturing as we know it; people will simply create what they need at home. However, the real futuristic concept is when 3D printers start printing other 3D printers. Remember the Terminator movies?

Estimated street price: $2,200

2. Luggage Finder

Remember that suitcase you bought thinking it was perfect for you? It was the right shape, size, colour and functionality. But no sooner than reaching the airport, you realised there was nothing unique about it. The search for that suitcase, then, on the luggage carousel became extremely frustrating, with

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