benjamin hubert 3D-prints customizable wheelchairs for mass production
benjamin hubert 3D-prints customizable wheelchairs for mass production
(above) the ‘go wheelchair’ prototype
all images courtesy of benjamin hubert
london studio layer, led by designer benjamin hubert has unveiled designs for a wheelchair that integrates 3D-printing technology and made-to-measure detailing. named the ‘go wheelchair’, the prototype was developed as a result of a six-month period where the studio initiated thorough research alongside wheelchair users and people in the medical field.
with the aim to improve the quality of life of wheelchair users, the bespoke design uses innovative mapping system to trace each individual’s biometric information which is then 3D-printed. the british designer comments: ‘with the go wheelchair, we saw an opportunity to really progress the manual mobility category for users with disabilities, and to use 3D-printing technology to solve significant and meaningful problems.’
‘go wheelchair’ video courtesy of benjamin hubert
the appearance of the wheelchair can be specified with the use of a special app developed by the studio. giving the user the choice of colors and additional components, the finished product can be delivered in two weeks. there were challenges that arose, such as tackling wet conditions; this would inherently influence the studio to craft lightweight carbon-fiber spokes which would be installed onto the seat’s wheels. every aspect of the ergonomics was considered including the design of custom-made gloves that lessens the risk of hand injury.
the ‘go wheelchair’ will be presented during clerkenwell design week, taking place in london during 24th to 26th may this month.
the customized seat is printed in a semi-transparent resin and thermoplastic polyurethane
the bespoke design uses innovative mapping system to trace each individual’s biometric information
by using 3D printing technology, the chair can be personalized to any person
all of the parts deconstructed
‘go’ app
‘go gloves’
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: juliana neira | designboom
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Forget about the 3D printed seat for a minute, the design of the rest of the wheelchair is fantastic! All defined in its simplest terms. Functional without any embellishments. As Albert Einstein said, “put things in their simplest terms, but no simpler”. You should be proud of what you’ve done here. As one of the millions of wheelchair users, thank you and keep going!