Gallery: Print-to-Order Service Helps 3-D Designer Revive Forgotten Figurines
0101-ball-joint-wired-design
0205-ball-joint-wired-design
*Stikfas (left) and Xevoz (right) were two of Losey's projects that inspired ModiBot, but Micronauts were his first interactive inspirations.*
0310-ball-joint-wired-design
*ModiBot parts are designed to work with accessories from the Xevoz line, giving a second life to discontinued toys. Losey also points out that the patents on ball and socket joints expired in 1919, reducing the risk of any IP entanglements.*
0402-ball-joint-wired-design
*"It's like the original G.I. Joe, a platform -- each purchase or piece makes the larger library more valuable," says Losey. "It's why Lego is at the top of their game right now. They're like the Apple of the toy industry right now."*
0502-balljoint-wired-design
*Ball and socket joints make ModiBots poseable enough to stage epic tableaus, or with enough patience, stop-motion animations.*
0607-ball-joint-wired-design
*3-D printing allows customers to choose whatever colors they like, not what designers chose or what's left on a store shelf.*
0706-ball-joint-wired-design
*Losey is an action figure artist with broad interests. Before working on ModiBots he tried to launch the "[The Hero Project](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gogodynamo/the-hero-project-action-figures-of-world-cultural)," a series of homages to underrepresented cultural icons.*
0803-balljoint-wired-design
*Figuring out the tolerances of parts and the capabilities of materials as it relates to the design of the figure is a still a challenge.*
0904-ball-joint-wired-design
*A series of ball and socket joints and holes for pegs gives the ModiBot system a great deal of customization.*
1008-ball-joint-wired-design
Losey is now expanding the ModiBot line to feature parts that can be used to make dinosaurs, grasping robot arms, or anything else his imagination can conjure.
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
Which Fujifilm Instax Camera Should You Buy?
Should you buy an Instax Mini or Mini Evo? Instax Square or Wide? We demystify Fujifilm’s Instax lineup to help you find the perfect instant camera (or printer).
Scott Gilbertson
The Best Portable Chargers for All Your Devices
Keep your phone, laptop, handheld gaming console, and other electronics running with these travel-friendly power banks.
Simon Hill
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen