Applications

To the Moon: Lamborghini enters metaverse with 3D printed Space Key NFT

Luxury car manufacturer Lamborghini has entered the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) with the unveiling of a space-themed artwork dubbed the Lamborghini Space Key. 

The exclusive project is centered around a 3D printed carbon fiber block that Lamborghini sent to the International Space Station (ISS) back in 2019 as part of a joint research project. Since returning to Earth, the piece has formed the basis of the Space Key, linked to an exclusive and purely digital artwork by an undisclosed artist. 

Just five Space Keys, each linked to an exclusive space-themed NFT, have been created and will be officially revealed and auctioned in the next few weeks. 

“Innovation is a deeply rooted part of the Lamborghini DNA,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman, and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “As a leading company for carbon fiber composite materials within the automotive sector we pushed boundaries two and a half years ago with the joint research project in space. Now entering the metaverse is gain proof of Lamborghini always setting sail for new horizons.

“The NFT world has been calling to us, and we are excited about engaging with this very passionate and innovative community.”

The Lamborghini Space Key. Image via Lamborghini.
The Lamborghini Space Key. Image via Lamborghini.

3D printing at Lamborghini

Lamborghini has leveraged 3D printing technology for commercial purposes with its supercars for some time, first starting with Stratasys’ FDM technology to produce end-use parts for some of its non-critical components.

The firm went on to sign a deal with 3D printer OEM Carbon in 2019 to 3D print parts for its Urus Super SUVs, namely textured fuel caps and air duct clip components. Later that year, Lamborghini and Carbon expanded their partnership to 3D print the central and lateral dashboard air vents for the car manufacturer’s first hybrid production car, the Sián FKP 37.

During the pandemic, Lamborghini also played its part in aiding Italy’s Covid-19 response by re-directing its in-house 3D printing facilities to manufacture medical equipment, such as lung simulators.

The Space Key features a QR code on its back linked to the digital artwork NFT. Image via Lamborghini.
The Space Key features a QR code on its back linked to the digital artwork NFT. Image via Lamborghini.

Entering the Metaverse

For its latest 3D printing-related project, Lamborghini has entered the realm of NFTs to create an exclusive and purely digital space-themed artwork. 

NFTs are unique identifiers recorded on a distributed blockchain ledger and tied to a digital asset such as a picture, video, or music. Each NFT token is completely unique, so owners can guarantee the authenticity, scarcity, and trackability of their assets.

Supported by white-label NFT specialist NFTPro, Lamborghini will officially reveal the nature of its first NFT in the next few weeks, as well as the name of the artist. The date and time of the auction, as well as the auction house and registration, will also be revealed in due course.

The space-faring 3D printed carbon fiber piece that forms the physical element of the Space Key features a QR code on its back linked to the digital artwork. After undergoing tests and fulfilling its research purposes on the ISS, the carbon fiber piece was flown back to Earth to become the physical anchor for Lamborghini’s first-ever NFT project. Just five Space Keys have been created as part of the project, each linking to an exclusive artwork by the same as of yet undisclosed artist.

“I’ve been truly intrigued by the blockchain and all possibilities that this technology offers,” Tim Bravo, Head of Communications at Lamborghini, said in a LinkedIn post. “True, cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens are by far the most popular and at the same time maybe the least remarkable applications of the blockchain.

“However, I believe that their popularity pushes the door open for all those non-speculative, complex applications that will help improve our lives, and even our society.”

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Featured image shows the Lamborghini Space Key. Image via Lamborghini.