Science & Tech · AI · 1 hr ago
Saudi teams use AI and 3D printing to develop lower-cost disability technology
Researchers and young teams presented disability and rehabilitation technologies at a conference in Riyadh.
A team at Princess Nourah University developed a device for people with quadriplegia that costs about 700 riyals, compared with 3,000 to 15,000 riyals for similar imported devices.
3D printing cuts prosthetic production from 20 days to two at a project presented by a researcher from Prince Sultan University.
Field research cited by the researcher found that 83% of users could walk independently, and users wore the prosthetics for up to 10 hours a day.
Another project uses generative AI to analyze chromosome images and identify genetic abnormalities, with the aim of speeding diagnosis.
The King Salman Center for Disability Research says it plans a nonprofit company to bring research technologies to market at lower costs.
The conference also included partnerships to support research and practical applications, while registration for the seventh Health Innovation Hackathon is open until November 15.
Saudi teams are using artificial intelligence and 3D printing to develop disability and rehabilitation technologies intended to cost less than imported alternatives.
Projects were presented at the seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation in Riyadh.
A local device for people with quadriplegia costs about 700 riyals, compared with 3,000 to 15,000 riyals for similar imported devices.
Researchers said 3D printing reduced the time needed to make a prosthetic limb from 20 days to two days.
The King Salman Center for Disability Research plans to establish a non-profit commercial company to bring research and advanced technologies to market.
- Who
- Saudi research teams, innovators and the King Salman Center for Disability Research.
- What
- They presented disability and rehabilitation technologies using AI and 3D printing, aiming to develop lower-cost local products.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026. The conference date was not stated.
- Where
- The seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- To address users’ needs, reduce healthcare and assistive-device costs, and turn research into products available in the market.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Teams and researchers presented projects in assistive devices, medical diagnosis and prosthetics at the seventh International Conference on Disability and Rehabilitation in Riyadh.
The King Salman Center for Disability Research announced plans to launch a non-profit commercial company to market research and advanced technologies.
Registration is open for the seventh Health Innovation Hackathon.
- Sanad device cost
- About 700 riyals
- Comparable imported devices
- 3,000 to 15,000 riyals
- Prosthetic production time
- Reduced from 20 days to two days
- Independent walking
- 83% of beneficiaries, according to field research
- Daily prosthesis use
- Up to 10 hours
- Hackathon participation
- 159 teams
What people are saying
The team developed a local device to help people with quadriplegia, at a cost of about 700 riyals, compared with similar imported devices priced between 3,000 and 15,000 riyals.
The center is moving towards expanding the use of artificial intelligence and advanced research to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.
Sources
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