Feature

3D printing makes young entrepreneur’s therapy device blossom

Entrepreneur and winner of Innovate UK's 2023 Young Innovators award, Orlando Ely, turned to additive manufacturing to bring a device that could revolutionise the way people recover from strokes a step closer to launch.

05/11/2024 10:30:36

The therapy tool, called Blossom, was designed by Ely after two close family members suffered strokes and, as part of the rehabilitation process, required a tool to improve and practise their fine motor skills in a creative and engaging way.

He is now developing a 3D-printed prototype of the nature-inspired product in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), operated by the University of Strathclyde and part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. This has been tested in clinical consultation and by users from dementia groups. The project was also supported with £15,000 of funding from Innovate UK.

Blossom is a hand-held therapy device featuring three buildable flowers designed to challenge fine motor skills and enhance cognitive function. Users can practise arranging the petals and stamen, with each flower increasing in difficulty. Its design, incorporating various petal layouts, encourages users to engage both hands and utilise 16 different pinch and grasp exercises. Blossom uniquely offers the evidence-based benefits of patterns, a re-connection with nature, and a creative outlet, all of which boost mood and motivation.

Read the full article in DPA's November 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.