# Key Points from #hplusroadmap IRC Discussion

• Chinese hackerspaces are emerging with some receiving state funding, demonstrating the global expansion of the maker movement beyond Western countries (http://owni.eu/2012/05/03/china-hackerspaces-hacking-diy-shenzhen/).

• The B9Creator high-resolution 3D printer on Kickstarter represents advancing consumer fabrication technology, using DMD projector technology to cure entire layers of photo-initiated polymer resin with precision of 100 microns or less.

• Electronic design automation has matured significantly, with multiple PCB layout algorithms and open-source systems like geda/kicad implementing automated routing for larger components.

• A network of DIY biology and transhumanist communities exists across different geographic locations (Boston, Portland, Bay Area), with members collaborating and occasionally meeting in person.

• The FBI was organizing a workshop with DIYbio practitioners (scheduled for June 12-16), indicating growing institutional interest in and engagement with the biohacking community.

• Seeed Studio's Grove connector system was highlighted as a standardized approach for electronic sensors, featuring modular design that supports both star topology and bus configurations through I2C hub technology.

• Ongoing open hardware development was evident through discussion of an active laser etcher project with recent commits showing progress on components like bearing blocks.