Robert Downey Jr., who doubles as the tech-powered Avenger “Iron Man” in Marvel’s cinematic universe, just made one of his most heroic rescues yet for one young fan.
Downey partnered with Enabling The Future, which helps distribute mechanical prostheses around the world for children, to personally deliver an Iron Man-themed bionic arm to 7-year-old Alex Pring, who was born without most of his right arm.
“Had the absolute privilege of presenting a brand spanking new 3D-printed bionic Iron Man arm to Alex, the most dapper 7-year-old I’ve ever met,” Downey said on Facebook Thursday.
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Alex’s arm was developed by Limbitless Solutions, a team of engineering students, volunteers and related specialists led by Albert Manero, a UCF mechanical engineering doctoral student and Fulbright Scholar. Limbitless Solutions makes 3D-printed arms for children for free.
“What originally started out as a couple of guys who created something to help one child in need…has grown into a world wide movement of tinkerers, engineers, 3D print enthusiasts, occupational therapists, university professors, designers, parents, families, artists, students, teachers and people who just want to make a difference,” Enabling The Future, which works with Limbitless, explained on its website.
“Special thanks to Albert Manero, OneNote, and #CollectiveProject for their work making artificial limbs like this more affordable for families with kids who want to show the playground how badass they are,” Downey said. “Check out http://www.facebook.com/LimbitlessSolutions to learn more about this incredible project.”