I didn’t need this, but I used AI to 3D print a small figure of myself – here’s how

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Key insights from ZDNET

• AI can turn a single photo into a printable 3D figure.
• Multiple AI systems quietly control every step of the process.
• Consumer tools make this workflow accessible at home.

Writing for ZDNET has many advantages. One of my favorite experiences is being able to try out new technologies and tell you how they work. Most of the time these technologies have a productive use. But sometimes I try something that doesn’t really have any justification, but other than that it’s cool.

This is today’s project. In this article, I’ll show you how I started with a picture of myself, used advanced AI, and turned it into a physical 3D plastic figure of myself. Do I need a first-person character? No. Is it cool? Yes. Does it demonstrate another AI capability? Yes.

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