Open Source Walking Aid from 3D Printer

Anita So, a student at Western University in Canada, has developed 3D-printed walking aids as part of a project. This project has the potential to make walking aids more accessible in countries without good healthcare.

“I could not believe the high cost of these essential items that people rely on,” says So. “While a large percentage of that cost is covered in Canada, that isn’t the case for the United States or in developing countries without affordable access to health care. For someone on a fixed income or living in poverty, this has unacceptable implications. It needs to change.”

The high price of mobility aids is an unattainable barrier for many people. A dedicated team of students, with the help of Western engineering professors Jacob Reeves and Joshua Pearce, is working to solve this problem with 3D printing technology.

“This research has the potential to directly improve the quality of life for those who need it most,” says Reeves. “These students are challenging what the future holds for those with mobility and financial issues and advocating for a better life for vulnerable people around the world.”

In addition to improving production processes, researchers are working to further reduce costs. This includes plans to use solar cells to power 3D printers and to convert plastic waste into filament to make the walkers.

So is currently testing the walker to determine how much weight and force it can withstand, and to figure out how to customize the devices for different users. Following that, the team will publish an article and share its research and files with the public to get feedback from other members of the community. “That’s the beauty of open source – it allows you to collaborate with anyone in the world,” Anita says.

Regarding her team So says: “It is a privilege to be working with such intelligent, passionate, and caring people towards this goal.”

So acknowledges the importance of financial support for research like this. She was awarded the Shamrock Foundation Award in Engineering, which alleviated the financial burden of her education. So the project has not only a social significance for her, but a personal one as well.