UK startup
The UK firm takes the unique approach to prosthetic devices that, while they should be functional, they should also be stylish for the wearer. Open Bionics ability to bring electronics and motors into the mix, to create robotic devices, makes their latest news even more exciting because this means that they’re able to shrink this hardware down to a size fit for kids. The tiny bionic hands, to be unveiled next week, will be 3D printed on an Ultimaker 2 Extended 3D printer out of a combination of NinjaFlex and PLA.
Open Bionics is asking the 3D printing community to join them for their big launch by
As you can tell from the photos, all of the 3D printed bionic arms are Disney-related, including prosthetics inspired by Frozen, Star Wars, and one hand that resembles a shrunken version of the 3D printed bionic
Kids can be bullied for something as innocuous as wearing the wrong shirt; imagine what life is like for a child missing a limb. So not only has Open Bionics designed what it’s claiming is the world’s smallest bionic hand, the company has also joined forces with Disney to create three versions featuring designs and glowing LED features inspired by Iron Man, Frozen, and Star Wars. In the case of the Star Wars prosthetic, the team was able to work with Lucasfilm’s ILMxLAB, giving them the tools necessary to create the arm.
The LED lights and cool designs will certainly aid Open Bionics in its mission to provide low-cost prosthetics that wearers can be proud of, rather than ashamed of. So much so that they might become the most popular kids in class!