OK this may open up a whole new can of worms for the AI slop debate, but I see on MakerLab they have a new BETA program that is for using prompts/images to create a 3D model. So has anyone gone on the waitlist?
Looking at the Models used see here
it looks like they are using already existing platforms (that are also available on MakerLab as separate entities - Tripo, Meshy, Hitem etc), of which I already have accounts for. So does this mean that Makerworld/MakerLab is actively encouraging the use of AI, and even setting out a reward scheme for it, at the behest of true creators. Does it also mean as these AI creation software sites are available on MakerLab, they have some sort of agreement in place with them? A sort of AI collaboration so to speak?
Looking at a supposed printed model, and the actual AI generated one, shows a vast difference in the two, and highlights the issues surrounding the proliferation of AI Slop on Makerworld itself. It is also going to be a pay as you use system, as with many other AI generation sites.
So the question is WHY??!!! are MakerLab doing this? they are saying
"Designed for Printing
Aimia ensures every generated model is watertight and print-ready, while converting full-colour textures into colour schemes optimized for multicolour printing. Export with one click and start printing."
So obviously they want people to use it, for creation, and not bother with things like Blender and Sculpt3D. Which begs the question what direction is all this heading in, and when will it end.
I think it is time that MakerWorld is split into two different websites - one for the AI generated/creation assistance/customisable template models, and images, and one for the ACTUAL sculpted and created from scratch models. With rewards and points/boosts ONLY available on that site.
It’s not really a new can, just a fresh coat of paint. They’ve been doing this for years under the MakerLab label. Sure, now it’s packaged as a dedicated feature, but AI-generated slop has always had a home in Bambu’s MakerLab. Adding a prompt-based workflow was simply the next logical step for them.
At least there’s one upside: it actually costs money, so that’ll hopefully put some limits on how much people use it. I’m also curious how long it’ll stick around. These kinds of features can burn through tokens at an absurd rate, and I doubt many users will be eager to keep throwing money at it indefinitely. From the FAQ:
Aimia’s model editing tools are free to use. AI generation and templates come with a limited amount of free usage. Once you’ve used it up, you can purchase MakerLab Credits or redeem MakerWorld Points for Credits to continue.
Spot on Sir. I generate/create whatever you want to call it, images that I then get the AI program to animate. Before I know it the £30 I top up with has gone, the issue is the prompts you give can be ignored completely. Another reason why I treating myself to a decent PC in the New year, and getting OFFLINE software to produce the things I want. Like Sculpting software, the initial outlay is going to be a lot. But then in the long run it will work out far cheaper.
As you say, hopefully, there won’t be too much of a take up on this, and the costs of continuing to use it prohibitive. We shall see!
I registered. Let’s see if it is worth the points. The other generators from photos are not bad , but limited as yopu can only have one picture reference and not many. Especially for busts it is sometimes ugly. And it got expensive (points wise). There is just one thing I think is impressive - color separation to have parts for each color. But I am to greedy to pay for such abo 'and have not much use for it.
