A new initiative founded by self-taught robotics whizz Easton LaChappelle has been helped turned into a reality by Dassault Systèmes and Stratasys, as they aim to increase the amount of custom prothesis produced for children.
Tackling the traditional prosthetic models – often heavy, cumbersome and very expensive – Unlimited Tomorrow (the company founded when LaChappelle was 17 years old) will build intuitive, scalable models to engineer custom devices from start to finish.
Unveiled at SolidWorks World 2018, the input of Dassault and Stratasys will revolutionise the process/supply chain, tapping into digital, scanning and 3D printing technologies to streamline development and reduce multiple fittings – minimising the impact to each patient.
Stratasys’ exclusive cooperation provides Unlimited Tomorrow with the development and production of the prosthetics through the company’s PolyJet expert team, as well as Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.
Arita Mattsoff, VP Stratasys corporate social responsibility, said: “Unlimited Tomorrow is bettering the lives of children worldwide with practical and affordable custom-fit devices.
“We’re proud to team with long-time partner Dassault Systèmes and Unlimited Tomorrow – bringing the technology and know-how to create the best artificial limbs.”
LaChappelle was 14, he made his first robotic hand out of LEGO, fishing wire and electrical tubing, with the design evolving into a moving 3D-printed robotic arm.
