Here is a
news story about how 3D printing has already started to revolutionize the
medical industry. Just a few years ago
an advanced prosthetic hand that allows the user to catch balls, write and do
just about everything a real hand can do would have taken advanced medical
teams to create. Today, using 3D
printing, a high school robotics team can do it.
A four year
old little girl from Cedar Springs, MI, who was born without a right hand had
recently outgrown her first prosthetic hand.
The family couldn’t afford the $5000 price tag for a new one (Insurance
wouldn’t cover it). Going without a hand
at this age would have undoubtedly been devastating. This is the age where children start to learn
all sorts of new things, including writing and playing sports.
The Robotics
team at West Catholic High School decided to do something about it. The team got with a local parent who had a 3D
printer, and got to work.
The robotics
team consulted with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to make a cast of
young Harmony’s hand so it would fit perfectly.
They then proceeded to make an advanced prosthetic hand.
The hand is
made with plastic and elastic cables, which respond to Harmony’s wrist
movements, allowing her to pick things up, catch balls, and perform many other
activities that would have otherwise been impossible.
West
Catholic High School and the robotics team presented the hand to young Harmony
free of charge.
This is just
one more example of how 3D printing is bringing advanced technologies like
those used in the prosthetic hand, to the people who need it. Without the 3D printer, Harmony would have
had to go without a hand.
What a great
story! I love how 3D printing is
allowing people from all walks of life to help each other out! What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section
below.
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