In spite of 3D bioprinting being very far back on the 2013 Gartner Hype Cycle for emerging technologies (just in front of quantified self, and quantum computing), this excellent summary from On 3D Printing points out that 3D printing is already being used extensively to manufacture customised hearing aids, and dental items. It seems there is much progress too in printing truly ‘bio’ materials too. Well worth a read.
Donna Cusano (aka ‘the Boss’) has kindly also suggested this article on Mashable and this on Inhabitat. She tells me there is a further, not-for-the-faint-hearted, video on Medcitynews although if you are in the UK access is blocked.
If you happen to be in the San Jose area in mid September, there’s also a prize draw on the home page for a ticket for the Inside 3D Printing conference.
Thought you might be interested in a 3D printing based project happening in the UK.
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/research/rtg-materials-manufacturing/research/net-shape/3d_printing/Assistive-Technologies
Hereward College is an innovative FE College based in the UK, catering for students with complex needs. They have 60 residential and over 260 day students with a range of physical, sensory and cognitive abilities. We have recognised that as early adopters of innovative assistive technologies, embedded in the students is a residual expertise around the design, aesthetics and ergonomics of assistive technologies that is currently untapped.
Although many may not currently be Science or Engineering oriented they have opinions (many of them very strong opinions!) about the services and products that they use.
The current focus for assistive technologies is on the ageing society and individuals with long-term conditions. However, there is a significant unmet need to satisfy the requirements of younger users who are not just passive consumers but who judge assistive technologies in the same way they would the latest gadget or iPhone.
Our project is intended to give students an opportunity to turn their opinions and needs in to artefacts that can then be critically evaluated tested and ultimately used. It enables students to be part of the design and manufacture of very personalised solutions. In essence it gives our users of assistive technology a voice.
Hereward are teaming up with Warwick Manufacturing Group (Warwick University) they have expertise in 3D design and manufacture. 3D printing technology offers an affordable way to reach individualised and customisable design solutions. The use of this technology is very timely, with the recent emergence of low-cost 3D Printers – this couldn’t have been possible 2-3 years ago. In addition the Department of Computer Science, through the Intelligent and Adaptive Systems Research Group, has expertise in how devices and software can be adapted to individual needs.
This project can and will enable our students to explore assistive technology and STEM in a manner that relates directly to them as traditionally our students do not see these subject areas as potential destinations either in employment of when continuing in education.