And at the forefront 6

 3D printing

3D printing is at the cutting edge of technology right now. So it may surprise you to learn that the former is becoming increasingly important to the creation of the latter.And it can used in a lots of areas.

3D printing, and open source 3D printers in particular, are the latest technology making inroads into the classroom.3D printing allows students to create prototypes of items without the use of expensive tooling required in subtractive methods.

And animation Laika is the first one used this technology in animation

Reference
Watch Matt's Visit to Laika for THE BOXTROLLS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkT5fHp1T3I

[Accessed: 10 August , 2016]