College Students Create Bionic Arms for Kids

A group of University of Central Florida students is out to make the world a better place one bionic limb at a time.

Using their knowledge of engineering and 3D printers, the savvy students have launched their own nonprofit organization dedicated to creating bionic arms for those in need.

“Limbitless Solutions is a growing engineering community devoted to changing lives through the innovation of new bionic arm designs and development of a worldwide network of makers and thinkers,” the nonprofit’s website explains. “Our mission is to create world without limits, where everyone has access to the tools necessary to manufacture simple, affordable, and accessible solutions through open source design and 3D printing.”

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The UCF venture began when engineering doctoral student Albert Manero listened to a story about one of the inventors of a 3D printed hand, WDBJ reported. Inspired, Manero became involved with E-Nable, another nonprofit dedicated to helping connect people with 3D printers to those in need of the technology to create artificial limbs affordably.

Before long, Manero heard the story of Alex Pring, a boy who suffered though teasing because he had a missing arm. Manero set out to create a robotic replacement for the boy and was able to deliver it free of charge last summer.

“I was really inspired,” Manero was quoted by Today as saying. “I talked to my colleagues and friends and said, ‘We can do this.’ ”

And, do that they did.

Courtesy of the 3D printer technology, Alex’s new prosthetic limb only cost $350 to build, Today reported.

Alex’s bionic arm was a first for the UCF students, but it’s far from the last. Through Limbitless Solutions, students are working to help others, including 12-year-old Wyatt Falardeau, who is expected to get fitted for a new arm later this month. The UCF team has already helped five children, WDBJ reported.

Each limb created by the UCF students takes up to 50 hours to create and costs about $350. Funding for the limbs is offset by donations made to Limbitless Solutions. The arms are unique, the station reported, because they are electronic. Most 3D arms are mechanical, which can create challenges for those without elbows. UCF’s limbs rely on a special muscle sensor that enables opening and closing of the hand when the bicep is flexed.

To find out more or make a donation, visit Limbitless Solutions’ website or Facebook page.

Photos from Facebook

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