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Lego Limb: Bionic Arm for Kids Makes Prosthetics Playful

15 Aug

[ By Steph in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

lego arm 4

This modular twist-and-lock prosthetic arm for kids is designed specifically for integration with LEGO parts, turning it into a fun toy that makes it easier to engage with other children. A standard gripper makes the ‘Iko’ by Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar practical and functional for everyday use, but it can easily be popped off and replaced with designs of the kids’ own making.

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This creative prosthetic system lets children with disabilities use their imaginations to build tools that fit their own needs. The basic system includes a custom-fit prosthetic socket and forearm with a motorized adapter, a removable gripper and an easy-to-use charging station. Kids can swap out the gripper for backhoes and other LEGO creations. The arm can be programmed for various purposes and functions using myoelectric sensors.

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Tovar came up with the idea while working at LEGO Future Lab, realizing that play is such an essential part of childhood and that a fun prosthetic could make it easier for children to engage with each other without discomfort.

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“Currently I consider that prosthesis are not really designed for kids, yes they are functional in a traditional way, but kids in disability need more than a traditional tool, the physical aspect is just one of the big challenges of growing up, the psychological and the social aspect are as equally important and I wanted to do something about it.”

[ By Steph in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

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3D-Printed Prosthesis: Custom Casts & Artificial Limb Covers

18 Jul

[ By WebUrbanist in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

custom 3d printed cast

Customization has long been a limiting factor in certain aspects of medical practice, particularly those centering around damaged or lost limbs creating different person-specific needs. 3D printing technologies, perfect for one-off, fit-to-purpose projects, may just promise ideal solution(s).

custom cast design process

Jake Evill dubs his project, Cortex, an exoskeleton rather than a cast. First, an x-ray of the injured limb is performed. Next, a scan of the exterior of that same limb is made. Finally, based on both of the above, a suitably stiff-but-flexible 3D print is made. The result is customized to the needs of the user for both recovery and comfort.

custom efficient cast design

The resulting design addresses issues of aesthetics, but more importantly deals with waste, healing, safety, durability and other everyday needs. Unlike its cumbersome traditional counterparts, it is readily washable, comfortable and compact enough to fit under clothing that would otherwise require modification.

custom style prosthesis cover

Bespoke Innovations, meanwhile, addresses the needs of those with artificial limbs through what they call Fairings. Their process likewise involves scanning the limb, but in this case of the non-organic variety, then creating a custom cover to fit the functional and stylistic needs and wants of the wearer.

custom artificial limb covers

From the company: “Fairings infuse the individual’s lifestyle and taste into the design from the start. But to make this an even more personal part of the prosthetic leg, Fairings can be enhanced with patterns, graphics, and materials—including leather, ballistic nylon fabric, chrome plating, and even tattoos. By creating a unique custom form that presents the individual, Bespoke Innovations hopes to change the way the world thinks of prostheses.”

[ By WebUrbanist in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]

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