This is quite cool: Fab at Home, Open-Source 3D Printer, Lets Users Make Anything

A Fab at Home kit costs around $2400. Lipson compares it to early kit computers such as the MITS Altair 8800, which democratized computer technology in the 1970s. At-home fabrication, Lipson says, “is a revolution waiting to happen.” As for that robot? Wait a year, he says, and it really will walk out of the machine.

Here is their homepage:  Fab@Home

So, while we may not be making our chicken soup in a fabber anytime soon, how about a replacement flashlight...or a toaster [my toaster just gave up the ghost this morning].  Download the plans, pour in the raw material, switch the machine on, snap the finished parts together, plug in the wall and toast bread.

We've got a ways to go.