A 3D printed robotic arm that offers the wearer up to 18kg more lifting power has won the 2013 James Dyson Award.
The Titan Arm is a device that's made to be worn over the upper body: the idea is that it augments arm strength as well as bracing the wearer's back, and it's made to be worn by warehouse workers who need to do heavy lifting in the course of their work. It can also be used in to help people with injuries rebuild their strength and motor control.
Developed by a team from the University of Pennsylvania, the Titan Arm took eight months to develop. Carbon exoskeletons that server a similar purpose do exist, but they're expensive - using 3D printed parts, they were able to build the Titan Arm for under $2,000.
Sir James Dyson, the inventor of the Dyson vacuum cleaner and founder of the awards, said, "Titan Arm is obviously an ingenious design, but the team's use of modern, rapid - and relatively inexpensive - manufacturing techniques makes the project even more compelling."
Winning the prize means the team will be given £30,000, with an extra £10,000 awarded to the university. You can read more about the Titan Arm on its project page, here.