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Assistive 3D-Printed Design for Children

Researchers: Robbie O’Connor, Elaine McGeogh and Chris Keogh

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

School: School of Mechanical Engineering

Keywords: 3D printing; Assistive technology; Prosthetics; Inclusion; Civic engagement

Summary of the Impact

Over more than a decade, TU Dublin’s 3DAssist initiative has transformed the daily lives of children with limb differences and children receiving palliative care by combining research-led design, engineering expertise, and civic engagement. The team has delivered over 60 free 3D-printed prosthetic arms and hands to families across Ireland and the UK, and has created bespoke wheelchair-mounted Halloween costumes for children supported by LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

These interventions improve mobility, confidence, independence, emotional wellbeing, and social participation. The project has also shaped teaching practice, influenced student learning, and attracted external investment from partners including Google.org and TU Dublin’s N_TUTORR program.

Research Description

The work is grounded in Robbie O’Connor’s long-standing research interests in medical device design, low-cost prosthetic manufacturing, and civic engagement. The research explores how additive manufacturing, open-source prosthetic designs, and collaborative development with end-users can produce safe, robust, affordable devices for children who do not qualify for or cannot afford commercial prosthetics.

The application of 3D scanning of the patient has made it possible to custom engineer the devices to each child and still maintain the low cost model of manufacturing.

3DAssist began as a voluntary initiative within the School of Mechanical Engineering and has grown into a long-running research-informed practice involving academic staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students, clinical partners, and families. The project focuses on:

  • Low-cost, customised prosthetic solutions using 3D printing.
  • Iterative, user-centred design processes.
  • Civic and social innovation supporting inclusion and wellbeing.
  • Inclusive design methods, including wheelchair-mounted themed costumes for children at LauraLynn.

Description of the Impact

  1. Direct Health and Social Benefits:
    • More than 60 children have received free prosthetics, improving independence, participation, and self-confidence. Custom wheelchair costumes support inclusion, joy, and shared family experiences.
  2. Cultural and Emotional Impact:
    • Costumes made for annual celebrations at LauraLynn more inclusive and emotionally meaningful for the children this helping them feel valued and reducing stigma.
  3. Educational and Pedagogical Impact:
    • The project integrates research-led, empathy-driven engineering education into student learning. Undergraduate students gain real experience in biomedical design and engaging pedagogy
  4. Institutional and Funding Impact:
    • Supported by Google.org and TU Dublin’s N_TUTORR programme. Winner of a Student Volunteering Award (2025).
  5. Public Awareness and Civic Engagement:
    • Media and public communications highlight inclusive engineering, limb difference, and the value of community partnerships.

What SDG goals does this contribute to?

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

  • Target 3.8 – Achieve universal access to quality essential health services.
  • Indicator 3.8.1 – Coverage of essential services.
  • Contribution: Free prosthetic devices expand access to assistive technologies for children who cannot access conventional clinical solutions.
  • Target 3.C – Increase recruitment, development, training, and retention of health workforce.
  • Contribution: Student involvement strengthens future capacity in biomedical design and assistive technology development.

SDG 4: Quality Education

  • Target 4.4 – Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant technical and vocational skills for employment.
  • Indicator 4.4.1 – Proportion of youth/adults with ICT and technical skills.
  • Contribution: Students develop advanced skills in additive manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and user-centred design.
  • Target 4.7 – Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights and inclusion.
  • Contribution: The project embeds inclusive design, empathy-led engineering, and civic responsibility into teaching practice.

 SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Target 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
  • Indicator 10.2.1 – Proportion of people living in inclusive environments.
  • Contribution: Prosthetics and wheelchair costumes enable fuller participation in school, family, and community life.

 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  • Target 12.5 – Reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse.
  • Indicator 12.5.1 – National recycling rate and waste reduction.
  • Contribution: Use of 3D printing with recyclable materials and iterative prototype reuse promotes sustainable design.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.17 – Encourage effective public, public–private, and civil society partnerships.
  • Contribution: The project involves collaboration between TU Dublin, families, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, industry partners, and funders including Google.org.

Evidence and Sources to Corroborate Research Impact

 Conference Presentations

  • International Conference on Engaging Pedagogy (ICEP), Griffith College, Ireland, Dec. 15th 2017. 3D-Assist: A vehicle for civic engagement within the third level sector. Robbie O’Connor and Elaine McGeough, 
  • Proceedings of IMC35, Dublin Institute of Technology, June 2018.   3d-assist: a model for civic engagement within the context of engineering education. Robbie O’Connor and Elaine McGeough.
  • International Manufacturing Conference June 2018: 3D-Assist: Experiences in a community based project and its potential for application in a blended learning environment. Robbie O’Connor and Elaine McGeough.
  • International Manufacturing Conference: Irish Posture and Mobility association 2020: "The Wheel" Charity association annual conference.

 

Testimonials 

"It's given him the ability to function, to lift toys, to carry things, to not feel isolated or restricted from doing certain things or activities."  John Clarke, parent of Tristan, one of the recipients.

Links

https://3dassist.ie/home