Sunday Times 2
Undergrads showcase 3D skills for a worthy cause
View(s):Sri Lanka’s first-ever Inter-University competition for 3D-printed assistive medical technology, Make-A-Thon’ 25, held from February 22 to 24 at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, concluded successfully, showcasing the power of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in the field of assistive technology.
This 48-hour challenge brought together 75 undergraduate competitors comprising 13 teams from nine state and non-state universities. They represented fields such as engineering, computing, medical sciences, allied health sciences, and industrial design.
Also taking part were people with disabilities (“need-knowers”); speech and language therapists; occupational therapists; physiotherapists; specialists in education and training; and foreign experts in occupational therapy and 3D printing. The event showcased cutting-edge 3D printing technology for life-changing medical solutions.
Using state-of-the-art 3D printers, teams prototyped customised medical and accessibility solutions in real time, ensuring that each innovation was designed for and with the user.
The event was inaugurated by Kenlainya University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, while Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena was the chief guest at the grand finale. Special guests at the event were Prof. Veranja Karunaratne, Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission; Hiroki Inoue, Second Secretary at the Japanese Embassy; Takafumi Kadono, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank; Ryotaro Hayashi (Senior Social Sector Economist, ADB); and Takashi Shimizu, Team Leader of Employment Support of Persons with Disabilities, JICA.
The expert judging panel included Takashi Shimizu (Team Leader of Employment Support of Persons with Disabilities, JICA), Naoki Hamanaka (FabLab Shinagawa), Sonoko Hayashi (FabLab Shinagawa), and Koji Yamada (Director, Otsuka Innovation CO-LAB).
Team Bodacious from the University of Moratuwa won the grand prize of Rs. 100,000 and a trophy for developing a modified keyboard with embossed letters, an adjustable stand, and backlighting to help a 10-year-old boy with severe cerebral visual impairment type more easily. Team Solidifiers from SLTC University took the Runner-Up prize of Rs. 75,000 and a trophy for creating a lateral support device that can be attached to any chair, helping a 6-year-old boy with scoliosis sit comfortably anywhere.
The People’s Choice Award, selected by public vote, was given to Team MedRAMP from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. They received Rs. 50,000 and a trophy for designing an assistive device that mimics a human hand, enabling a 55-year-old man with amputated fingers to grip farming tools and tie knots.
Each team showcased impressive problem-solving and creativity!
The event was made possible by the generous funding support of the Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project of the Asian Development Bank and sponsoring support of Leeban Interiors, Thrimana 3D Printers, Avon Pharmo Chem (Pvt) Ltd. and ATG Group.