Derby the Dog Gets 3D-Printed Prosthetic Legs [Video]

Three-dimensional printing allowed Derby to walk and run, with his prosthetics created on 3D Systems' ProJet 5500X printer. (Photo courtesy 3D Systems)

Derby the dog was born with deformed front legs.

Despite the deformity, he was still able to get around pretty well, just a little slower than the average dog.

His Rock Hill, S.C., owners, Sherri and Dom Portanova, who adopted Derby from an organization that specializes in such animals, and his foster owner, Tara Anderson, wanted to give the dog a chance to run and play like all the other dogs.

At first, Derby was equipped with a cart that he could wheel around in.

But it wasn't enough.

So a team from 3D Systems decided to go high tech and get Derby into the 21st century. With the help of a three-dimensional printer and some programming, the team was able to print new front legs for Derby!

It didn't take long for him to get used to his new setup. Derby was running within minutes after his legs were strapped on for the first time!

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