14. West Japan Railway and partner Serendix assembled what they say is the world's first 3D-printed train station this week, using technology that railway operators hope will help cut down on the work needed to replace and maintain buildings on less-used local lines. The new building at Hatsushima Station in the city of Arida, along the Kisei Main Line, was put in place over two hours early Wednesday, between the end of service Tuesday night and the first train Wednesday morning. Serendix has built 10 or so 3D-printed homes, but this is its first structure designed for a different purpose, with space included for ticket machines and gates. JR West Innovations, a subsidiary of JR West, invested in the company in May 2024. (Source: asia.nikkei.com)