July 23, 2015 | By Simon
Although we’ve become accustomed to hearing about how additive manufacturing is revolutionizing how products are made and procedures are done in controlled labs or manufacturing environments, one of the greatest strengths of additive manufacturing is in its ability to be done nearly anywhere - including refugee camps.
While we normally don’t associate 3D printing with areas that are in crisis, it is these areas where the capabilities of 3D printing and other forms of digital fabrication ultimately shine.
Aiming to bring fab labs to these areas of crisis for refugees - such as those in the Middle East - is a new startup called Refugee Open Ware. While some may see refugee camps as areas of desertion and devastation, the founders of Refugee Open Ware see possibilities.
“Our mission is to employ disruptive technology to improve human rights fulfillment for both refugees and host communities in conflict zones,” explains the startup.
“We seek to attenuate the immediate effects of conflict while driving long-term economic development, productivity growth, venture creation and employment generation … ours is a journey of moonshot humanitarian innovation; with and for the most violent and unstable areas of the planet.”
Among others who have benefitted from the startups deployment include a 24-year-old Syrian refugee named Ahmad who lost his eyesight after being shot across the eyes during the Syrian civil war. After a fellow refugee came across Refugee Open Ware, he was able to build Ahmad a customized echolocation device - a device that utilizes vibrations to indicate where objects are located in an environment - that he could wear over his hand for navigating more efficiently.
"For two years, I haven't felt this feeling — where I walk and know what's in front of me," Ahmad said.
The fellow refugee, Asem, was able to build Ahmad’s echolocation device thanks to Refugee Open Ware’s open fab labs where they teach those in attendance how to create 3D printable models and code, among other skill sets. Among other applications for the skills include the ability to both create and 3D print their own prosthetic devices due to the high rate of amputations from war-related injuries.
The company, which was founded by Dave Levin and Loay Malahmeh, aims to establish Refugee Open Ware fab labs with a number of traditional and digital fabrication technologies including traditional wood and metal working tools, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, milling machines, 3D printers, and scanners.
“We want to take the most advanced technology and put it in the hands of those who need it the most," Levin said.
Currently, the first Refugee Open Ware pilot program is now up and running in Amman, Jordan with plans to further expand the network as they’re able, starting with Turkey and Kurdistan.
The company is currently interested in getting in touch with those who may want to get involved - including individuals, schools, donors and experts.
Needless to say, despite the civil unrest that may be occurring in these areas, there’s also a lot of good coming, too - layer by layer.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- Middle East company 3D printed the entire country of Bahrain
- US Army investigating ways to produce 3D printed food for soldiers
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries turns to 3D printers for rocket parts
- 3D printing speeds up EMYS the emotional robot project
- OwnPhones launches Kickstarter campaign to build first wireless 3D printed earbuds
- NRC Report: Too soon for 3D printing to significantly enhance space operations
- Upgrade your ride with NeoPixel LEDs and 3D printing
- UK announces £154 million for aerospace research, including 3D printing of plane parts
- Korean startup 3D prints replica of your fetus based on ultrasound sound data
- 3D printed steampunk Alien Xenomorph costume
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
