Feb.18, 2014
3D Systems recently unveiled the first ever 3D printed hybrid Exoskeleton robotic suit in collaboration with EksoBionics at a Singularity University-hosted event in Budapest.
Amanda Boxtel, writer and professional speaker acted as the test pilot for this venture.
On Feb. 27, 1992, Amanda Boxtel took a fall while skiing in Aspen, CO that culminated in a freak somersault. The accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. At the hospital, Boxtel's doctor told her she would never walk again. Despite her paralysis, the hybrid 3D printed robotic suit enabled Amanda to stand tall and walk throughout Budapest.
"After years of dreaming about it, I am deeply grateful and thrilled to be making history by walking tall in the first ever 3D printed Ekso-Suit, made specifically for me," said Amanda Boxtel.
To obtain the perfect fit for Amanda, 3D Systems' designers used 3D scanning to digitize the contours of Amanda's thighs, shins and spine and create a personalized three-dimensional base to inform the shape of the required assemblies. Sophisticated mechanical actuators and controls, manufactured and provided by Ekso Bionics, were then integrated with the more fluid components that were 3D printed from the customized scans to create the first ever bespoke suit.
"This project represents the triumph of human creativity and technology that converged to restore my authentic functionality in a stunningly beautiful, fashionable and organic design," Boxtel said.
Since sustaining a permanent spinal-cord injury fifteen years ago, Amanda Boxtel has evolved into a passionate and dynamic inspirational speaker, captivating her audiences with her stories, weaving in the valuable lessons she has learned along the way and warming the listeners' hearts with laughter and compassion.
Images credit: 3D Systems
"I believe that the most beautiful and functional designs have already been patented by nature, and inspired by Amanda's incredible spirit, we were able to harness nature's beauty with 3D printed functionality and freedom of creation to allow her body and spirit to soar," said Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3DS.
Watch Amanda Boxtel walk again after years in a wheelchair using the 3D printed bionic exoskeleton:
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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Where can I buy one of these? I have been disabled all my memorable life (I got polio when I was 21 months old and now, I am 57 years old). Any chance to walk again, even if for a few years?
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