Aug 28, 2015 | By Simon
Although it is surely one of the best uses for 3D printing and has certainly been responsible for more than a few feel-good stories over the past couple of years, 3D printed prosthetic arms - despite being very low cost and accessible - are still difficult to obtain for many young children around the world - particularly in developing countries or those torn by civil unrest.
Among others aiming to help solve this problem is Limbitless Solutions - the same 3D printed prosthetic organization responsible for organizing an event that saw the Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr. present Alex Pring, a six-year-old Iron Man fan, with an Iron Man-inspired bionic 3D printed prosthetic arm.
However instead of delivering a unique experience to just one user, the company has launched a crowdfunding page through Indiegogo that aims to raise US$40,000 to help send 75 bionic limbs and books to displaced Syrian kids, after Limbitless Solutions teamed up with Help Syria.
“Limbitless solutions had the opportunity to deliver an arm with Robert Downey Jr for Alex Pring,” explained Albert Manero, executive director of Limbitless.
“We realized we can’t stop here, so Limbitless Solutions is going global.”
With 45 days left to go in the campaign, there is still plenty of time for people to get involved. Among other rewards for backers include tours of the Limbitless facilities, 3D printed limb statues, interactive keychains and even a visit with Alex Pring - the young Iron Man himself.
While we’ve previously seen a large number of various 3D printed prosthetic devices over the past few years, we’ve been starting to see a trend towards more robust options such as those offered by Limbitless Solutions.
Alternatively, eNABLE - another 3D printed prosthetic organization - has been focusing on low-cost simple prosthetics that are more easily created and require less up-front assembly and electrical know-how. Similar to Limbitless Solutions, they are also spearheading efforts to put 3D printed prosthetic arms into areas of need around the world.
“(We are) devoted to building a generation of innovators who use their skills and passion to improve the world around them,” says Limbitless Solutions.
“We use additive manufacturing to advance personalized bionics and solutions for disabilities - and we believe that no family should have to pay for their child to receive an arm. Now we want to lead by example and encourage communities to innovate with compassion.”
Although there is still a lot of work ahead in terms of making these truly impressive 3D printed bionic arms available to everybody who needs one around the world, it all starts with a single effort - and thanks to Indiegogo, you can be a part of it by heading over to Limbitless Solutions’ campaign page.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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