The team started with a MakerBot, but instead of a plastic-extruding nozzle, it was equipped with a tattoo machine. This robot can create real tattoos.

It only took an afternoon to affix a tattoo needle to the MakerBot’s arm and get the basic positioning sorted out. A 3D printer creates objects by laying down layer upon layer of melted plastic. The same movement that extrudes plastic under normal conditions was used in this case to “build” a single layer of ink.

The team chose a simple circle pattern for the tattoo, which would show off that robot’s precision.

I’d thought I’d heard of every conceivable use of a 3D printer, but I have to admit, this one was new to me…

Via Geek.