Check out this report from WNCN in North Carolina — it hints at the possibilities of 3-D printing for wheelchair users. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has made all of its 3-D printers available to students for free. As seen below, that means creative students like Jeffrey Olander can now have an easy (and free) way to bring their designs to life. Olander explains how he used the printer to build a solution for a droopy seatbelt on his wheelchair. Watching the small printer slowly build Olander’s device, it’s hard not to feel like you stepped into the future.

“I feel like we’re on the edge of something brand new here,” says Olander. “It feels very futuristic and science fiction-y.”

Watch Olander and the 3-D printer in action:

http://www.wncn.com/clip/10743474/3d-printing-helps-unc-student-meet-critical-wheelchair-needs

Olander has also designed and built an improved joystick for his chair. The university has four 3-D printers, all of which were purchased with grants.

I’ve already made a list of gadgets I’d like to build, but what’s on your list? Let us know in the comments.