This 3D-Printed Prosthetic is Helping a Disabled Penguin Walk Again
Rahul Kalvapalle — July 21, 2016 — Lifestyle
A group of veterinarians working out of Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut teamed up with the locally located Mystic Middle School to develop an innovative 3D-printed prosthetic that they then used to outfit a disabled African penguin.
Purps the penguin suffered an injury that affected her ability to waddle around as penguins do. In order to forge a permanent solution, the veterinarians worked with Mystic Middle School to use a 3D scanner to scan a cast of the penguin's foot, using that to create a design for the orthotic that was then carefully and quickly attached to the penguin's limb.
The end result is a custom-made 3D-printed prosthetic that is again allowing Purps the penguin to move around unhindered, and is the latest example of the utility of 3D-printed prosthetics to aid disabled animals.
Purps the penguin suffered an injury that affected her ability to waddle around as penguins do. In order to forge a permanent solution, the veterinarians worked with Mystic Middle School to use a 3D scanner to scan a cast of the penguin's foot, using that to create a design for the orthotic that was then carefully and quickly attached to the penguin's limb.
The end result is a custom-made 3D-printed prosthetic that is again allowing Purps the penguin to move around unhindered, and is the latest example of the utility of 3D-printed prosthetics to aid disabled animals.
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Prosthetics - The development of 3D-printed prosthetics for animals offers new ways to aid disabled animals and improve their quality of life.
2. Collaborative Innovation - The collaboration between veterinarians and schools demonstrates the potential for cross-industry partnerships to drive innovation in the field of animal prosthetics.
3. Adaptive Design - The use of a custom-made 3D-printed prosthetic highlights the importance of adaptive design in creating solutions for differently-abled animals.
Industry Implications
1. Veterinary Services - The veterinary services industry can explore the use of 3D-printed prosthetics as a viable treatment option for disabled animals in their care.
2. Education - Educational institutions can play a role in developing innovative solutions for animal disabilities by partnering with professionals in the veterinary field.
3. 3D Printing - The 3D printing industry can expand its market by targeting the development of prosthetics for animals, tapping into a new niche market with great potential.
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