Jun 29, 2015 | By Alec
The Japanese artist collective XSENSE has previously proven that 3D printed prosthetics don’t just need to be functional, but can be absolutely gorgeous as well. Remember their futuristic and 3D printed ‘More than Human’ project? But now this team of Japanese artists (consisting of painter Yoshinori Sakamaki and manufacturing artist Taketo Kobayashi) is taking things to the next level with a new, functional prosthetic and a collaboration with Paralympic athletes in need of prostheses.
As Taketo Kobayashi explains to 3ders.org, they have just unveiled their exciting new prosthetic at DMS Tokyo, which is not only very different in its appearance to its predecessors (as it is slightly less futuristic and more streamlined and functional), but also in its use. Unlike the More than Human parts, this prosthetic has been purposefully designed to be attachable to existing prosthetic legs.
However, the distinctive style of the XSENSE project is stil very much alive in this design. As Taketo Kobayashi explains, they are still thoroughly trying to make Japanese sub-culture an integral part of contemporary art. ‘Currently Japanese sub-culture is more focused on its "Kawaii"(cute) side, like Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, they are using Japanese sub-culture Kawaii side and make it sophisticated as contemporary art. [More than Human] is basically same idea but approaching more from "Kkakoii"(kool) side, like robots and heros,’ he explains, adding that this is a unique style rooted in the animism of the unique Jomon period in Japanese history. ‘For example robots that appear in manga and anime are not just mechanics but vessels which contain power greater than humans, just same as people of Jomon believed in the greater powers of nature.’
In short, XSENSE is trying to make a full circle from the ancient to the modern, and their use of 21rst century manufacturing techniques is an integral part of that process. ‘I am using modern technology(CG, 3DP) but my soul is belong to animism,’ we are told.
But while this can take very sophisticated and slightly less wearable shape, the XSENSE team has specifically created this ‘unicorn-type’ as well, to make these prosthetics easier to wear in daily life. ‘Mixing novelty and user-friendliness is the theme of this prosthetic,’ Taketo Kobayashi explains. In total, the design process for these parts took about two weeks, with the hardest part actually being securing company backing. Essentially, the leg consists of a typical metal prosthetic, but instead features 3D printed designer parts that can be easily attached to the leg. All parts were finally printed on a proX 500 3D printer in nylon, with the help from Canon Marketing Japan ( a 3D Systems distributor).
But as you might have guessed, a substantial post-printing process folloed to get that lovely result. ‘I usually dye 3D printed artworks, and this time it consisted of a urethane top coat. I feel that 3D printed products should acquire their own value from matière view. Most of the people using 3D printers to try and get results similar to existing industrial products,’ the artist explains. ‘But from an artistic point of view matière of 3D printed products is unique as its printed. We just have to find the way to emphasize its uniqueness. When I dye nylon 3DP artwork layers of print looks like rings of tree and it's really beautiful.’
But the real question is: how is it to wear? Well, unfortunately, no one has been fitted with this model so far, but that won’t take long. XSENSE have struck a deal with a number of Paralympians from the Japanese delegation, who will wear these gorgeous pieces for a series of promotional photographs. This, in turn, will hopefully get the ball rolling towards the Paralymics in Tokyo 2020, where we might see these 3D printed pieces in athletic action.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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