Send your automation goal, current system, constraints, and timeline to info@oldworldlabs.com.
info@oldworldlabs.comFounded by Nick Liverman in 2012, Old World Labs began with ultra-precise 3D printing and demanding industrial hardware. That foundation still shapes our automation work today.
Started making robots at age 12, beginning with computer scripts in online games that automated mining and item creation. This early experience sparked his fascination with converting digital objects into physical products.
Nick founded Old World Laboratories to build tools that could move between digital design and physical production. That same systems mindset now drives OWL work in AI automation, robotics, and connected software.
View Nick Liverman research record
Old World Labs now focuses on AI and automation across physical and digital environments: robotics, industrial workflows, software agents, simulations, and advanced manufacturing systems.
In 2026, OWL helps companies identify what can be automated, integrate the tools and machines involved, and deploy AI systems that support real operations rather than demos alone.
“Our mission is to help organizations automate real hardware and software environments with intelligent systems that can operate where the work actually happens.”
Foundation of Old World Labs
Initial patent applications filed for stereolithography system
Multi-wavelength laser system with optical trapping
Dynamic beam focusing and real-time monitoring
Old World Labs introduced the OWL Nano printer at CES 2014
The OWL Nano is a stereolithographic printer using liquid resin solidified by a laser
Features a single strand laser beam for minimal distortion
Capable of SLA printing at an incredible 0.1 micron layer height
Positioned as a strong competitor to the Formlabs Form1 printer
Patent pending for the innovative technology
First dedicated 3D printing area at CES featuring OWL alongside industry leaders
Introduction of MC-1 and MC-2 SLA printers at CES 2015
Revolutionary 100 nanometer resolution using two-photon polymerization
Launch of subscription-based printer service model
Used by NASA, Stanford, and other leading institutions
MC-1: High-precision nano-scale photo fabrication device, built by hand in USA
MC-2: Advanced control board with multiple upgraded lasers for new materials
250x the resolution of other 3D printers in the industry
Collaboration with US Department of Defense and Integrated Photonics Institute
Subscription model allowing hardware upgrades as technology evolves
Patents granted for advanced stereolithography system with multi-wavelength laser and optical trapping
Showcase at CES 2016 with MC-2 high-end industrial printer
Price range $100,000 to $250,000 reflecting industrial capabilities
Artificial Lung Project: Collaboration with VA Ann Arbor to develop 3D-printed microfluidic artificial lungs
Pioneering high-resolution 3D polymer printing for blood flow networks
Venostent Project: Development of bioengineered vascular support for dialysis access
Focus on improving outcomes for Veterans with respiratory diseases and kidney failure
Patent granted for production of 3D objects by stereolithography
US Patent 10,086,566 for advanced stereolithography system
Includes multi-wavelength laser and optical trapping technology
Continued development of wearable artificial lung prototype
Collaboration with VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System on microfluidic lung design
Prototype sized to fit in backpack/waist pack with >1 week operational time
First use of high-resolution 3D polymer printing for functional microfluidic lungs
Development of biocompatible coating to prevent immune rejection
Focus on COPD treatment and respiratory support for veterans
Expansion into game development with Abyss Online MMORPG
Development of a rich, community-driven virtual world
Implementation of advanced 3D modeling and simulation technology
Creation of eight distinct biomes with unique cultures and environments
Focus on player-driven economy and crafting systems
Integration of high-precision 3D technology expertise into game development
Unveiled 'Agents as a Service' technology at CES 2025
Seamless integration into humanoid robots and virtual environments
AI agents inhabit and operate humanoid robots, adapting to 3D environments
Unified AI presence across physical and digital realms with 'Replicants' system
Replicants technology combines AI-driven reasoning with resource-aware robotics
Empowers humanoid robots to function as intelligent, autonomous entities
Bridges the gap between physical robotics and immersive digital experiences
Added source-backed references for SPIE micro-mirror lithography, OWL nano-scale 3D printing coverage, patents, and applied research.
Connected Old World Labs precision manufacturing history to current AI automation for hardware and software environments.
Cross-linked OWL research context with Nick Liverman personal research record.
Microfluidic Device Manufacturing
Automated Laboratory Systems
3D Modeling & Simulation
Microfluidic Device Manufacturing
Automated Laboratory Systems
3D Modeling & Simulation
