3D Printing and the Future of Prosthetics
November 29, 2016
In Paraguay, there are a large number of upper limb amputations due to bad working conditions and motorcycle accidents. Many people are also in the low income category, and they cannot afford the prosthesis. With advanced manufacturing, particularly with the use of 3D printing, a company is able to create sophisticated prosthetics at a low cost.
The company, called PO, has combined 3D printing with a control mechanism to make an arm that can perform specific actions. They teamed up with a company called Myo incorporating their armband that controls the mechanical aspect of the hand. Their armband monitors bioelectric muscle signals and interacts with the prosthetic, allowing a user to grip items and gesture as if the arm was part of their body.
Because the company is using 3D printing to build the hands, the cost of the prosthetic is much lower than a traditional one. Incredibly, they can make 100 3D printed hands for the price of one prosthetic. While there is still a cost associated with fittings and the components, much of the price is covered by private donations. The technology behind the project is opensource so that other people can work to make an innovative product that can help people around the world.
Quantum and AI: Safeguards or Threats to Cybersecurity?
Why AI Can't Live Without Us
Bits, Bytes, Buildings and Bridges: Digital-Driven Infrastructure
Impact of Technology in 2024
Emerging AI Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions
The Skies are Unlimited
Smart Cities 2030: How Tech is Reshaping Urbanscapes
Impact of Technology 2023
Cybersecurity for Life-Changing Innovations
Smarter Wearables Healthier Life
Infrastructure In Motion
The Impact of Tech in 2022 and Beyond
Cybersecurity, Technology and Protecting Our World
How Technology Helps us Understand Our Health and Wellness
The Resilience of Humanity
Harnessing and Sustaining our Natural Resources
Creating Healthy Spaces Through Technology
Exceptional Infrastructure Challenges, Technology and Humanity
The Global Impact of IEEE's 802 Standards
Scenes of our Cyber Lives: The Security Threats and Technology Solutions Protecting Us
How Millennial Parents are Embracing Health and Wellness Technologies for Their Generation Alpha Kids
Space Exploration, Technology and Our Lives
Global Innovation and the Environment
How Technology, Privacy and Security are Changing Each Other (And Us)
Find us in booth 31506, LVCC South Hall 3 and experience the Technology Moon Walk
Virtual and Mixed Reality
How Robots are Improving our Health
IEEE Experts and the Robots They are Teaching
See how millennial parents around the world see AI impacting the lives of their tech-infused offspring
Take the journey from farm to table and learn how IoT will help us reach the rising demand for food production
Watch technical experts discuss the latest cyber threats
Explore how researchers, teachers, explorers, healthcare and medical professionals use immersive technologies
Follow the timeline to see how Generation AI will be impacted by technology
Learn how your IoT data can be used by experiencing a day in a connected life
Listen to technical experts discuss the biggest security threats today
See how tech has influenced and evolved with the Games
Enter our virtual home to explore the IoT (Internet of Things) technologies
Explore an interactive map showcasing exciting innovations in robotics
Interactively explore A.I. in recent Hollywood movies
Get immersed in technologies that will improve patients' lives