Amanda Boxtel was involved in a skiing accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down in 1992. Doctors told Amanda she would never walk again. This week, she took her first steps, with the help of the world's first 3D printed exoskeleton.

Amanda's suit, made from 3D Systems used data from a full body scan to print a custom-tailored piece that fit exactly to Amanda's body. Amanda can safely use her legs and a pair of canes to walk around. Watch the video below:



3D scanning and printing technologies made her exoskeleton possible. It took 3 months to complete and according to Scott Summit from 3D Systems,  "we had to be very specific with the design so we never had 3D-printed parts bumping into bony prominences, which can lead to abrasions."

Since Amanda has no sensation in her legs, even tiny skin injuries can become dangerously infected before they're found. A comfortable fit isn't just a nicety, it's a safety necessity.

[3D Systems via Cnet]