Post by orvillethird on Jan 17, 2016 0:09:04 GMT
Those of you who know me know that I am somewhat of a Disney fan. I try and keep up with Disney-related news. I was rather surprised to hear this story from a few months ago, and I want it to get a lot of attention.
A few years back, Disney launched a tech incubator program. It's already begun bearing fruit, notably with a popular Star Wars toy. This past year, they included a company from Bristol in the UK, called Open Bionics. Their goal is making highly functional artificial limbs through 3D printing for low costs. A few months ago, they unveiled some of the products that resulted.
These artificial limbs are designed for children, though adults have been interested in the Star Wars "lightsaber" version. (They also made a different Star Wars-themed artificial limb for a model at a recent fashion show. Some of the more flashy add-ons serve a dual purpose. The LED lights are not just for decoration, but can also be used by parents, doctors and others to monitor muscle activity. The Iron Man hand features a vibratory motor to simulate a rocket being launched- as well as to gauge the gripping strength of the hand. Further, the unique designs allow for children to be proud of their prosthetics rather than be ashamed of them. This will also aid in their adjusting to the artificial hands.
What did Disney do? Well, first, they spent $120k (US) on the company. They sent people to assist the company in designing these limbs, as well as to provide other advice. Finally, they granted a royalty-free license to the company to allow the use of Disney-licensed property.
How much are these hands? The printing costs are around $500. They are planning to sell limbs like them for $3000. This might seem expensive, but it's far cheaper than many prosthetics. In addition, the 3D printing allows for the arms to be made quickly and customized to fit each patient.
For more information:
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/prosthetic-hands-how-disney-teamed-up-with-a-bristol-based-bionics-firm-to-transform-childrens-lives-a6689176.html
For the other Star Wars limb they designed:
www.bustle.com/articles/126921-grace-mandeville-models-robotic-arm-for-star-wars-fashion-collection-photos
For a different group with similar goals and an Iron Man arm design:
www.engadget.com/2015/03/13/3d-printed-iron-man-gauntlet-becomes-a-kids-awesome-bionic-arm/
A few years back, Disney launched a tech incubator program. It's already begun bearing fruit, notably with a popular Star Wars toy. This past year, they included a company from Bristol in the UK, called Open Bionics. Their goal is making highly functional artificial limbs through 3D printing for low costs. A few months ago, they unveiled some of the products that resulted.
These artificial limbs are designed for children, though adults have been interested in the Star Wars "lightsaber" version. (They also made a different Star Wars-themed artificial limb for a model at a recent fashion show. Some of the more flashy add-ons serve a dual purpose. The LED lights are not just for decoration, but can also be used by parents, doctors and others to monitor muscle activity. The Iron Man hand features a vibratory motor to simulate a rocket being launched- as well as to gauge the gripping strength of the hand. Further, the unique designs allow for children to be proud of their prosthetics rather than be ashamed of them. This will also aid in their adjusting to the artificial hands.
What did Disney do? Well, first, they spent $120k (US) on the company. They sent people to assist the company in designing these limbs, as well as to provide other advice. Finally, they granted a royalty-free license to the company to allow the use of Disney-licensed property.
How much are these hands? The printing costs are around $500. They are planning to sell limbs like them for $3000. This might seem expensive, but it's far cheaper than many prosthetics. In addition, the 3D printing allows for the arms to be made quickly and customized to fit each patient.
For more information:
www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/prosthetic-hands-how-disney-teamed-up-with-a-bristol-based-bionics-firm-to-transform-childrens-lives-a6689176.html
For the other Star Wars limb they designed:
www.bustle.com/articles/126921-grace-mandeville-models-robotic-arm-for-star-wars-fashion-collection-photos
For a different group with similar goals and an Iron Man arm design:
www.engadget.com/2015/03/13/3d-printed-iron-man-gauntlet-becomes-a-kids-awesome-bionic-arm/