3D printer 'helps girl overcome disorder'
Minneapolis (US), August 6, 2012
Stratasys, a maker of additive manufacturing machines, said a robotic device made with 3D printer, has helped a 4-year old girl to overcome the limitations of a congenital disorder, allowing her to use her arms and also play for the first time.
The device is a custom-designed robotic exoskeleton that enables her to conquer greatly limited joint mobility and underdeveloped muscles, said the US company in its recently released video.
A case study by Stratasys also demonstrated how the 3D printing helped the girl to overcome disabilities and use her arms for the very first time in her life.
Using a Dimension 3D printer, researchers at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Philadelphia were able to create what little Emma calls her “magic arms,” said the Minneapolis-based firm in a statement.
Stratasys pointed out that 3D printing was helping to break down barriers in man’s quest to solve some of its greatest challenges in society, science and healthcare.
On the Stratasys Facebook page throughout August the company is sharing stories of how designers, engineers and educators are using 3D printing for healing, exploration and teaching.
Additional videos will show how 3D printing helps to bring renewable energy to remote populations in developing countries, Nasa’s development of a human-piloted rover to explore Mars and 3D printing’s role in drawing a new generation to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
The 3D printing has been touching lives worldwide, in part because of its ability to deliver personalised solutions that tackle tough human challenges, said a top official.
“Some of our world’s greatest ideas are being 3D-printed,” remarked Scott Crump, the chairman and CEO of Stratasys.
'Engineers want their technical work to connect to a greater good, and 3D printing is helping them bring their ideas to fruition to improve lives and the world around us,' Crump stated.
'As more people become aware of the possibilities of 3D printing, its impact outside of traditional manufacturing and design realms will continue to grow,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service