nestlé has developed the alarm cap, a limitededition 3d printed lid with powered electronics that wake sleepers in what the company claims is a scientifically researched manner. seven different alarm sounds, including a bird song, work in tandem with a gently pulsing light to wake a sleeper in a natural and calming fashion. the user opens the lid to switch off the alarm and in turn is greeted with the refreshing, awakening smell of morning coffee. the cap was developed by publicis mexico&rsquos innovation lab in collaboration with notlabs, the creative studio of los angeles based, design inspiration company, notcot inc. the limited edition lids use 3d printing on both sides of the cap. the exterior is printed by shapeways, an emerging leader in additive manufacturing, using a material called nylon sls. the inner piece, which houses the electronics, designed by eric brockmeyer, is printed on a makerbot replicator, a relatively lowend but reliable printer.
