HU-GO - a 3D printed wheelchair

The wheelchair project, called HU-GO, is currently in its first version, though Riveros has noted that he continues to make modifications and improvements to its design. For instance, in its second iteration, Riveros hopes to be able to 3D print the wheels and/or hubs. In its current version, HU-GO consists of 3D printed parts, a plywood frame, support rods, big wheels (the smaller wheels are 3D printed), and hardware, which include nuts and bolts as well as zip ties.

By looking to his own previously used wheelchair and by analyzing and breaking down its design, Riveros was able to develop a basic design for his own 3D printed wheelchair. It also helped that during the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Riveros worked to assist handicapped people in getting around the Olympic park and received training on how to operate and use a wheelchair. This knowledge has aided him in designing a functional and usable wheelchair.

The most important aspect of Riveros’ HU-GO project is that he has made it with the hopes that it will eventually reach people who are not only disabled physically, but are marginalized within their societies, and even within the world. That is, the design for the 3D printed wheelchair came from a desire to help and provide necessary assistive technology to those who need it, regardless of their wealth or social standing. As he expresses on his Thingiverse page, “I strongly believe that everyone in the world deserves to be able to move about and a wheelchair should not be a luxury item for the few/well off. It should be a tool that anyone should have access to use.”

More info: http://www.hugoriveros.com/

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/1Lkc7fj

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n2WbFhp-DU