Plans for first personalised 3D-printed wheelchair unveiled
- May 9, 2016
- EmmaArnold
The world's first 3D-printed personalised wheelchair will be unveiled at the end of this month.
Each potential user can be measured so the chair is customized specifically for them.
The Go wheelchair from Layer, the design studio based in London, is made-to-measure and will make its début at the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week.
As the first wheelchair of its kind for everyday user, the Go is made of semi-transparent resin, TPU and titanium.
After six months of research working with wheelchair users, the design team learned how to improve upon existing designs and so added some innovations to aid mobility.
Jeanne Evans, senior personal injury solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
I'm excited to see this design first which promises gains in function aimed at enhancing the wheelchairs performance and so the users independence
The research found how wheelchair users often struggle to propel themselves, particularly during wet conditions and so the Go has lightweight carbon fibre spoked to make movement easier.
Designers also developed wheels with a special surface designed to lock into a pair of gloves which have been custom-made to give users a better grip and reduce the risk of injury.
Layer also included a handbrake which is easy to access and a made-to-measure footbay.
They have also developed and app to allow customers to easily order their custom wheelchair by entering their data which can then be designed to the perfect fit.
Users can also select optional elements and customise the colours and the finished product should be delivered under two weeks.