Using a Stratasys Dimension 3D Printer, researchers at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Philadelphia were able to help four-year-old Emma Lavelle overcome the limitations of a congenital disorder, allowing her to use her arms for the first time. The "magic arms" device is a custom-designed robotic exoskeleton that enables her to conquer greatly limited joint mobility and underdeveloped muscles.

The Designs of the Year is an international awards programme, showcasing the most innovative and imaginative designs from the past year. It spans seven categories: Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Furniture, Graphics, Transport and Product. Category winners and the overall winner will be decided by a jury and announced to the public on 17th April 2013. The nominated entries will also be available to view in an exhibition at the Design Museum, running from 20th March 2013.

"This is an exciting time for 3D printing, as more people become aware of its potential and its impact," said Stratasys executive vice president of global marketing, Jon Cobb. "We are honoured to have been involved in such a worthwhile project and pleased to see it recognised by the design community."

Besides its customer being an award finalist, Stratasys itself has been named a finalist for three Golden Mousetrap Awards from U.S. industry magazine, Design News. It was recognised in the Materials and Assembly category for its Mojo 3D Printer, its Objet30 3D Printer, and its Objet line of digital materials. Award subcategories are engineering plastics and rapid prototyping machines.

In addition, Stratasys has garnered two recent award wins from industry magazines, and its founder, chairman, and former CEO, Scott Crump, was inducted into Industry Week magazine's 2012 Hall of Fame in December. The company's Objet product line won the 2012 Leadership in Engineering Program from U.S. publication Design World聽 and the Objet260 Connex has received an innovation award from U.S. magazine, Dental Advisor.