We’ve seen many scenarios where 3D printing has been advantageous in helping wildlife regain their natural abilities, whether it was a sea turtle that needed a new jaw or a toucan who needed a new beak. Fortunately, it’s also proving useful for domestic animals; our best friends that we take care of and live with.
A small two-legged puppy named Tumbles, who was born without his front legs, has relied on extra help since his birth to get around. He has his back legs, but the front part of his body can’t do anywhere without dragging on the floor, and it’s unlikely he’ll learn to walk on two feet like a human any time soon.
Fortunately, the 3D printing industry has come to the rescue and Tumbles is now getting help with getting around via a 3D-printed set of wheels created by the Ohio University Innovation Center that can strap to the front of his body while be pushes with his two rear legs.
It’s a learning process for Tumbles, who will need to get used to being strapped in and learn to push himself in the right direction instead of flipping over, but it means he’ll get some much-needed bonding time with his owners as he learns to operate the device to his advantage so that one day, he’ll get around almost as easily as a regular dog.
Those involved with the project are happy that it’s working out for Tumbles. The 3D printed knocked out the device within just 14 hours and Joe Jollick, the laboratory director at the Ohio University Innovation Center says this shows just how 3D printing can be used for just about anything.
“Everyone is real enthusiastic,” Jollick said. “Our main goal was to get him off the ground. The second thing is to get him used to it. This is just letting people know that it can be used for just about anything.”
It appears that 3D printing has so many uses that it will soon be one of the best future methods of producing objects of need. Whether it's to help animals or construct a bridge, 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. It's cheap and very effective when compared to assembly lines.
Source: ABC News
