Designed to help disabled people with underdeveloped muscles in their arms, the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX) attaches to the body and uses a set of resistance bands and metal bars to provide artificial strength. Previously only available as an attachment for wheelchairs, 3D printing technology has made it possible to create a lightweight version using a plastic backplate, allowing users with healthy legs to stand up and walk around.
WREX, a 3D-printed robotic exoskeleton for disabled children
3D printing has made the WREX exoskeleton much more useful for disabled children, allowing them to stand up and walk around while compensating for lack of muscle strength.
3D printing has made the WREX exoskeleton much more useful for disabled children, allowing them to stand up and walk around while compensating for lack of muscle strength.
The video below shows the WREX being used by Emma, a child suffering from a rare congenital disease known as anthrogryposis. Rapid prototyping allows the WREX to scale as she grows, with each individual part being resizable and reprintable. Emma is one of 15 children currently using the WREX, and has already gone through two versions.
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