3D Printing

A closer look at the world's first consumer 3D-printed wheelchair

A closer look at the world's first consumer 3D-printed wheelchair
We've seen concept images before, but now Layer Design has provided a first detailed look its GO wheelchair
We've seen concept images before, but now Layer Design has provided a first detailed look its GO wheelchair
View 15 Images
The chair will on show at the Clerkenwell Design Week in London at the end of the month
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The chair will on show at the Clerkenwell Design Week in London at the end of the month
The design of the GO wheelchair looks every bit as sleek in the new images as it appeared in the concept shots that Layer released earlier this month
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The design of the GO wheelchair looks every bit as sleek in the new images as it appeared in the concept shots that Layer released earlier this month
We've seen concept images before, but now Layer Design has provided a first detailed look its GO wheelchair
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We've seen concept images before, but now Layer Design has provided a first detailed look its GO wheelchair
The design is the result of six months of information gathering from wheelchair users and medical professionals
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The design is the result of six months of information gathering from wheelchair users and medical professionals
The seat of the wheelchair will be tailored to individual users by means of 3D mapping the biometric information of the user
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The seat of the wheelchair will be tailored to individual users by means of 3D mapping the biometric information of the user
The design of the chair incorporates two 3D-printed elements – the seat and the foot bay
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The design of the chair incorporates two 3D-printed elements – the seat and the foot bay
Optional components such as transfer bars, wheel guards and push bars can be added to orders via the company's app
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Optional components such as transfer bars, wheel guards and push bars can be added to orders via the company's app
Layer is now looking for additional partners to manufacture other parts of the chair, and to help it distribute the product into the market
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Layer is now looking for additional partners to manufacture other parts of the chair, and to help it distribute the product into the market
Available adjustments include changes to the angle of the back of the chair, as well as seat length and angle, and footrest height, length and angle
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Available adjustments include changes to the angle of the back of the chair, as well as seat length and angle, and footrest height, length and angle
The texture of the gloves is designed to lock into the push rims, providing a greater power-to-push ratio
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The texture of the gloves is designed to lock into the push rims, providing a greater power-to-push ratio
Layer has also provided a first look at the custom gloves that it plans to sell alongside the wheelchair
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Layer has also provided a first look at the custom gloves that it plans to sell alongside the wheelchair
The surface of the gloves is designed to lock into the chair's push rims
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The surface of the gloves is designed to lock into the chair's push rims
Layer also provided some illustrations of how users will be able to customize the chair to best suit their needs
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Layer also provided some illustrations of how users will be able to customize the chair to best suit their needs
Users will be able to pick different pattern designs for the printed seat
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Users will be able to pick different pattern designs for the printed seat
The design of the 3D-printed chair looks slick next to a more standard wheelchair
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The design of the 3D-printed chair looks slick next to a more standard wheelchair
View gallery - 15 images

Earlier this month, we got our first peak at concept images of the GO wheelchair from Layer Design – a stylish-looking product that's designed to be tailored to each individual user. Now, the company has provided a detailed look at the product itself, as well as the purpose-built gloves it plans to sell alongside it.

The design of the GO wheelchair looks every bit as sleek in the new images as it appeared in the concept shots that Layer released earlier this month. The design of the chair incorporates two 3D-printed elements – the seat and the foot bay. The team spent six months fine-tuning the product, gathering feedback from wheelchair users and medical professionals, and the end result certainly looks slick next to a more standard wheelchair.

Layer has also provided a first look at the custom gloves that it plans to sell alongside the chair, designed to reduce the strain put on users' hands when self-propelling. The surface of the gloves is designed to lock into the GO's push rims, providing a greater power-to-push ratio.

Layer has also provided a first look at the custom gloves that it plans to sell alongside the wheelchair
Layer has also provided a first look at the custom gloves that it plans to sell alongside the wheelchair

Aside from the new images, Layer also released some illustrations of how users will be able to customize the chair to best suit their needs. These adjustments include changes to the angle of the back of the chair, as well as seat length and angle, and footrest height, length and angle.

The seat of the wheelchair will be tailored to individuals by means of 3D mapping their biometric information. Optional components such as transfer bars, wheel guards and push bars can be added to orders via the company's app, and users can even pick different pattern designs for the printed seat.

The design of the 3D-printed chair looks slick next to a more standard wheelchair
The design of the 3D-printed chair looks slick next to a more standard wheelchair

The project is a collaborative effort between Layer's research division LayerLAB, and Materialise – a leader in 3D-printing solutions. The GO wheelchair will on show during the Clerkenwell Design Week in London next week as part of an exhibition of the design firm's work.

While Materialise is set to handle the 3D printed components, Layer is now looking for additional partners to manufacture other parts of the chair, and to help it distribute the product into the market.

The chair can be seen in use, in the video below.

Source: Layer Design

GO wheelchair

View gallery - 15 images
4 comments
4 comments
Bob Flint
Second try at the same item, and selling the gloves to match the user's wallet??? What does it cost/ and any changes to the growing user means re-prints$$$$
http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-consumer-go-wheelchair/43219/
The 3D printing has no limitations but that doesn't make it a viable item considering the alternatives in this particular project. The APP to customize your chair justifies the mean$...
byrneheart
Seems like a child growing to adulthood would have changing needs and the ability to print to their specific requirements would be an asset. Yes dollars aren't mentioned but the system should bring costs down in relation to bespoke building.
LouisWin
Obviously the guy never use a wheelchair the front wheels are realy but realy too small for use everywhere except an airpor floor I would like to see him in anay sidewalk or any building
ezeflyer
I looks quite comfortable, but how do you fold it to place in a car?