3D-printed exoskeleton gives a little girl use of her arms
August 6, 2012
A heartwarming new video documents the story of a small child whose life has been radically changed for the better because of 3D printing technology.
Two-year-old Emma was born with a rare disease called arthrogryposis that makes it so she can’t raise her arms without assistance. Through the use of 3D printing, a Delaware hospital created a mobile plastic exoskeleton that now allows Emma to use her arms for many things.
3D printing ensures that a new exoskeleton can be created if Emma breaks or outgrows it. Emma is now on her second 3D-printed jacket and calls the device her “magic arms.”
The video was created by 3D printing business Stratasys, which recently merged with Objet in a $1.4 billion deal. A Stratasys 3D printer was used to create Emma’s jacket.
Video Source: Stratasys
Related:
3D-printed exoskeleton gives a little girl use of her arms (video)
Comments (1)
by GatorALLin
Thought this was a great story…. Can’t wait to hear if the family could have their own 3d printer and be able to make their own improvements on the fly to help speed design changes up and also to make them better. Maybe she grows up designing these for other children needing similar assisted living tools. We grew up with legos….. now our kids can grow up with 3d printers… so cool!