【3D Printing Applications】Add-ons for accessibility: Ikea's home helpers!
The possibilities of using a 3D printer are endless, and for everyday design, Ikea Israel is making homes more comfortable for people with disabilities. This project is a collaboration between Ikea Israel and Milbat, a non-profit organization that provides technology for people with disabilities, and "Access Israel," an organization that promotes disability-friendliness in the country. The ThisAbles platform offers a series of free downloadable 3D printable "furniture add-ons" for people with disabilities, echoing Ikea's minimalist Nordic style and Dutch Ultimaker 3D printers, making many popular products more accessible for people with disabilities.
More accessible living spaces
Currently, the ThisAbles series includes 13 different products for living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and studies. These include the "EASY HANDLE" for improving wardrobe doors, "MEGA SWITCH" for expanding the range of light switches, and "CANE BY ME" for conveniently placing a cane by the bed, among others. All products are designed to be 3D printed using PLA, and most accessories are simple to use, consisting of only one or two components. Some accessories can be used with everyday items, and each item also displays all compatible furniture items below.
(For example, the mirrored shelf in the video allows content to be seen directly from a low angle. Simply place a mirror on the shelf to easily complete it.)
In addition to the current 13 ThisAbles items, the platform also welcomes public feedback and questions to help develop more friendly tools. The website also lists all furniture items from the Ikea catalog, such as kitchen utensils that can be used with one hand, shower storage boxes, etc. (Download here)
A good start is half the battle
Although ThisAbles is currently a regional initiative and sometimes requires some translation to assemble the accessories, these resources are easily accessible online. These gadgets are available for global download and can be 3D printed anywhere. To overcome language barriers, Ikea Israel has also published a series of demonstration videos on YouTube.
(Pictured is a bedside safety cup holder.)
Ikea is a chain committed to innovation, and before launching this accessibility initiative, it had already used 3D printing technology for a series of wall decorations and ergonomic chairs for gamers. Ikea Israel's efforts for people with disabilities open up more possibilities for the home environment, even introducing Ultimaker 3D printers into its stores to directly produce items as needed at the time of purchase.
This initiative also emphasizes: "Ikea's corporate philosophy is to do its best to improve people's quality of life, and this is especially needed by people with disabilities, who make up 1% of the world's population. We must make efforts to allow these people to also enjoy their home environment."
We are delighted to see 3D printing technology improving people's living environments and Ultimaker becoming the best choice for multinational corporations. We will continue to share relevant technologies and global applications. Please follow our Facebook page for the latest information; and if you need these assistive gadgets, you can download them here.
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