“Emma’s Magic Arms” — 3D printing technology allows a precious two-year-old to play.

Note that little smile. Have kleenex handy. Seriously. You have been warned.

Not quite my meaning of playful technology, but aw heck, this is way too great not to post.

3D printed arms allow 2-year-old to play [youtube]:

This super-sweet toddler, whose name is Emma, has a congenital disorder that means she doesn’t have the muscle strength to lift her arms by herself. But hey, no big deal — this robot exoskeleton can do it for her. And because it’s 3D-printed out of inexpensive, lightweight plastic, replacement is no big deal when she outgrows it (or if she breaks a part).

I don’t believe I’ve written anything on the topic of 3D printing. As you can see from this one example, it is destined to open whole new worlds. Surely it will have a tremendous impact on play technologies (and sweet little girls) along the way.