With a prosthetic 3D-printed arm, a child with a missing limb can feel even better than just being a normal kid again—they can be anyone they want to be.
Peter Graven is a science teacher for a class of eighth grade students in Wisconsin and decided to embark on a project that would educate and empower kids in his own classroom. With the help of DonorsChoose, the 'Hand Project' introduced the kids to 3D printing for the purpose of supplying one five-year-old child with a new prosthetic arm.
Rather than just getting an ordinary prosthetic, the kids created a custom Spiderman-inspired prosthetic for the young Dante Mercado. In addition to featuring the identical color scheme of the superhero's suit, the usable strings that control the fingers mimic the webs shot out by the comic hero.
Printed Superhero Prosthetics
A Group of Eighth Graders Created This 3D-Printed Arm for a Child
Trend Themes
1. Custom 3d-printed Prosthetics - The trend towards custom 3D-printed prosthetics opens up opportunities for personalized designs and improved functionality.
2. Empowering Young Innovators - The trend of involving students in the design and creation of prosthetics not only educates them about 3D printing technology but also empowers them to make a positive impact.
3. Inspired by Pop Culture - The trend of incorporating popular culture themes, such as superheroes, into prosthetic design helps children feel more connected and confident in their prosthetic limbs.
Industry Implications
1. Prosthetics - The prosthetics industry can explore new possibilities in personalization and design by leveraging the advancements in 3D printing technology.
2. Education - The education industry can incorporate more hands-on projects involving 3D printing technology to inspire creativity and problem-solving skills in students.
3. Toys and Entertainment - The toys and entertainment industry can develop products that combine functionality and popular culture to enhance the play experience for children with prosthetic limbs.