CUSTOMER STORY

Transformative TV: Mindware Helps Create New Realities for People with Disabilities

2 min read

Materialise Mindware team with Team Scheire

Lien is a rock guitarist with a degenerative spinal condition who used to play seated on a box in a corner — now she commands the stage from her throne. Catering manager Debby was born without a left hand — today, she serves tables as efficiently as any of her waiters. Two very different dreams have become reality. And the team at Materialise Mindware helped make it happen.

Kistel Van Den Bergh, Director of Innovation, and Roman Plaghki, Design Engineer, were invited to take part in Team Scheire. The Belgian TV show brings together engineers, designers, and programmers, to solve everyday challenges experienced by people with disabilities.

Mindware team members working designing 3D-printed solutions for people with disabilities

Mindware team members Kristel and Roman worked together to solve unique challenges that Lien and Debby each face. Photo credit: Canvas and Sputnik

"Team Scheire uses emerging tech to make an impact for real people with real-life problems," said Kristel. "We worked closely with Lien and Debby to use additive manufacturing to meet their very specific requests."

Mindware team members and Team Scheire members sitting around a table

Belgian TV show Team Scheire uses new technology to solve unique challenges people face. Photo credit: Canvas and Sputnik

Complete with eye-catching 3D-printed skulls, Lien's transportable throne enables her to play any gig with confidence, and includes a twin-guitar backrest, easy-to-use effects pedals, and even a cupholder!

Debby has a lot more than one drink to look after when serving her customers. So, the Mindware team 3D scanned her arm and created a customized sophisticated device that can be tightened to ensure Debby can hold her serving tray with precision and set an example to her waiters.

Roman Plaghki, Design Engineer at Materialise, and Kristel Van Der Bergh, Director of Innovation at Materialise, checking

Mindware team members Roman and Kristel used 3D printing to create custom sophisticated devices as part of the Belgian TV show Team Scheire. Photo credit: Canvas and Sputnik

“It was really satisfying to help both ladies and see how they transformed,” said Roman.

Team Scheire was a full-time project for Kristel and Roman, who worked around regular business hours to create the perfect devices for Lien and Debby.

“It was really satisfying to help both ladies and see how they transformed. ”

— Roman Plaghki, Design Engineer, Materialise

Additive manufacturing brought both projects to life. Kristel added: "3D printing enables you to create precise components and move from design to finished product really quickly. If we can imagine it, we can make it. That’s what made these dreams come true and, for me, what’s so great about working with engineers and creatives who breathe additive manufacturing. It's a real honor."