Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Manero.
Hi Albert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Limbitless Solutions started as a kitchen table project with a few students and has grown over the past seven years into a non-profit based at the University of Central Florida. It all started with a radio interview, where Ivan Owen was discussing developing the first 3D printed mechanical hands. The team at Limbitless dreamed of being able to support children with limb difference and has been doing so through clinical trials to evaluate the cutting edge electromyographic bionic limbs that happen to look like your favorite superhero or artistic designs.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The integration with hospital partners to facilitate the clinical trial process was a key component that took a long time to develop. Early on in the program, the team would drive (or fly) to hospitals around the country to demonstrate the potential impact. These trips were ultimately a large contributor to being able to develop those hospital partnerships.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Limbitless Solutions?
Limbitless gained recognition for taking a unique approach to prosthetics in two ways. The organization has leveraged 3D printing to develop lighter and highly customizable prosthetics that can be tailored to each unique child as they grow. The decision to make the cosmetic component of the arm, which attaches by magnets, highly colorful and intricately 3D designed really transformed the conversation for children about their prosthetic. The bold colors and ability for children to customize the designs that are interchangeable, really opened up the ability for children to express themselves via their bionic arm.
Students from UCF are still driving the program forward with a new undergraduate student development program. Students from all majors have opportunities to develop their professional, technical, and creative skills while seeing the direct impact of their work represented in the prosthetics’ program. The unique fusion of disciplines has really made the program a special place to create and develop.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Find strong mentors early on. Limbitless really appreciated the opportunity to work with mentors from CREDO RALLY MAKERS that helped our leadership team refine the aims, ethos, and direction for what the program would become.
Pricing:
- Donations really drive the program forward. Limbitless fundraises $10,000 to facilitate the clinical trial process for a participant, with funds being used to offset the manufacturing & hardware of the arm, travel for participants, and managing the trial.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@limbitless-solutions.org
- Website: limbitless-solutions.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limbitless3d/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LimbitlessSolutions/about/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/limbitless3d/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcWRae89ARuYMRjargmt_Fg
Image Credits
Limbitless Solutions
