Spanish start-up GOGOA uses 3D printing to manufacture parts for its HANK rehabilitation exoskeleton. Additive manufacturing has enabled the company to significantly speed up the development of the technically sophisticated product.
The HANK exoskeleton is a robotic walking aid for patients who have suffered accidents or strokes. It is designed to support recovery by exerting targeted forces on the legs and training walking.
GOGOA relies on HP’s Multi Jet Fusion process for the production of various components. Close collaboration with 3D printing service provider Materialise has also enabled the designs of the parts to be optimized.
In total, HANK consists of around 15 specially adapted plastic parts that are combined with metal components. 3D printing makes it possible to produce prototypes and small batches in a short time and develop the design step by step.
According to GOGOA, such flexible development would not have been possible with conventional manufacturing processes such as injection molding. This enabled the start-up to significantly accelerate the market maturity of the exoskeleton. HANK has now become the first European product of its kind to receive CE certification.
The successor model HANK+ will also continue to rely on 3D printing.
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