Inclusive Technologies

Using a load-balancing sensor network instead of brute strength, a new Japanese robot can lift humans (well, human dolls anyway) carefully and safely.  Such a robot may reduce injuries to people with disabilities and their caregivers.  Of course, what about funding?  It’d be highly ironic if the government decided to pay for a robot while rejecting funding human assistants, which is too often the case.
Android shows off people-lifting skills ::: Pink Tentacle

3D printers take designs directly from 3D drawing programs and deliver accurate parts, usually made of plastic, by depositing one thin layer after another.  These systems are starting to succeed in reliability, features, and most of all, price: this model beats $40K.  That means that an average shop could consider getting one, and we may see them at Kinko’s soon.  Imagine how effective they would be at fabricating all kinds of customized, small volume parts for the AT and rehab market.
Z Corp - 3D Printers for Rapid Prototyping