3D Printing an Exoskeleton for a Three Year Old

Three-year-old Emma has a condition known as arthrogryposis and, as a result, she’s left with a super-limited ability to use her arms. Thankfully, we live in the future and doctors at a Delaware hospital were able to 3D print her a suitable exoskeleton. As you can see, the results, known as WREX arms, are highly cute and involve a rather stoked child living somewhat normally with a normal future. Also note that one of the key technologies here are rubber bands. Which rules in some part because rubber bands are like the most awesome technology for a three-year-old anyhow — iPad? whatever — and here they’re being used to help overcome a brutal disability.

So, now with the addition of “working toddler arms,” where are we with 3D printing? There’s guns, of course. And a clock with gears. Which is absolutely “whatever” compared to actual human organs, coming soon to a surely very expensive hospital near you. Also coming soon: entire buildings. Finally, my own personal wishlist: entire living three-year-olds (for Christmas gifts?), parts for a 1990 Toyota pickup, Saucony shoes, healthy prepared food items. OK? Thanks.

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