A Colorado teenager has used 3D printing to create a robotic prosthetic arm

http://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/roboarmfix.jpg

A Colorado teenager has used 3D printing to create a robotic prosthetic arm that costs less than $500 and is fully functional.

 
At TedxMileHigh in Denver, Easton LaChappelle, 17, demonstrated his robotic arm, and how he constructed it to keep costs low.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CfmNXPMjChs#t=0

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http://durangoherald.com/storyimage/DU/20120302/NEWS01/703029913/AR/0/AR-703029913.jpg&ExactW=620




How is 3D printing changing the future of prosthetic and animatronic limbs? Tinkering with this new technology 17-year old inventor Easton LaChappelle is creating robotic limbs with strength and dexterity beyond human, and will create new models for custom prosthetics in the not-so-distant future.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)





Seriously, what were you doing when you were 14 years old? Probably not creating a prosthetic robotic arm, like Easton LaChappelle from Colorado. His first version of the robotic hand was made out of Lego bricks, fishing wire and servos. Having no previous experience in electronics, Easton taught himself and finally won the 3rd place at the Colorado state science fair in 2011.
Now, at 17,  this bright young man has completed the third version of his robotic arm. The arm is connected to a brainwave headset, and has the same functionality as a human arm. The cost of it is now only $250, as most of the parts can be produced by 3D printing. You can imagine this is quite an impressive price, as the usual prosthetic arms can cost up $80,000.
Easton is now working as an intern for Nasa and has reached the goal of £10,000 for his 3D Printed Robotic Hand Kickstarter. He is a great example of what young minds can achieve and how 3d printing can possibly transform various sectors. So the message goes: youngster and kids, do keep on tinkering and exploring these technologies!
"What has gotten me here is curiosity; curiosity is in every part of us, and it's what makes the world go around" - Easton.

Dr. EMAD HANI ISMAEEL
                 Ph.D. in Technologies for the Exploitation
                 of the Cultural Heritage .
                 Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Architecture

                 College of Engineering , University of Mosul 
                 Mosul - Iraq .

E-mail:        emadhanee@yahoo.com
                   emadhanee@gmail.com
                   http://emadhani.blogspot.com/
Tel :           +964 (0)770 164 93 74

 

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