After an arduous four months of research, a student team at UCLA Anderson has discovered the possibilities on how 3D Printing technology can impact the design, development, and manufacturing of sports equipment for people with disabilities. In order to play to the best of their ability, disabled athletes require equipment that has been “adapted” or modified to suit their individual needs and allows them to participate.
The team at UCLA Anderson discovered that the average cost of an adapted wheelchair or handcycle is anywhere between $2,000-$10,000, while the average cost of prosthetics range from $5,000 to upwards of $100,000.