Within the past few days, Dr Liang Hao of the University of Exeter's College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences has developed a prototype that allows chocolate to be squirted out onto a particular pre set design creating a three dimensional edible sculpture .

"What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own products," he said. "In the long term it could be developed to help consumers custom design many products from different materials, but we've started with chocolate as it is readily available, low cost and non hazardous."

The research was carried out in collaboration with Brunel University and software developer Delcam. It was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.