3D printing technology seemed all the rage no less than two years ago, with the potential application for budding entrepreneurs brimming with possibility. So, in stepped the Dutch to offer a unique approach, with Amsterdam based architects DUS, laying out their plans of creating a 3D printed Canal House. With this ambitious project is yet to be completed, TechSmart has compiled a list of 3D printed objects which showcase groundbreaking innovation and awe-inspiring creativity. Perhaps these products will spark the mind of a local designer to create a world first.     

1. Genetically engineered bionic ear

"Gentleman, we can rebuild him. We have the technology." We all remember those famous words during the intro sequence of the late seventies television series, The Six Million Dollar Man. The technology may not exist in its entirety, but the world's first bionic ear is definitely a step in that direction. A result of combined efforts from the brilliant minds of researchers at Princeton and Johns Hopkins Universities, the design for this bionic ear was pulled from Thingiverse (3D printing design template site) and incorporates a radio frequency antenna and cochlea-shaped electrodes.

The ear itself is formed from cartilage cells, which were developed while being 'fed' a complex mix of proteins to promote a specifically designed growth. The manufacture of protein infused cartilage is really nothing new, as medical experts have been doing so for a few years now. What makes this bionic ear truly amazing is its ability to receive information that a regular human ear cannot, thanks to the specially designed antenna and electrodes. These components can essentially pick up frequencies and information from radios, televisions and Wi-Fi.

It's important to note that this ear is not fully functional… yet. In order for that to happen, scientists will need to develop a means of ensuring blood supply as well as a human-like skin overlay. For right now the bionic ear remains a pink, slightly disgusting looking piece of "protein-based" plastic, but still has heaps of potential.  

2. Easton LaChappelle's homemade prosthetic arm

When we heard that a prosthetic arm has designed and manufactured using a 3D printer, we were definitely impressed. This later turned to envy when we learned that it was done by 17-year old American High School student, Easton LaChappelle. To make things even worse, for us anyway, was the fact that he is now working with the NASA 'Robonaut' team.

Easton's initial inspiration came when he was 14-years old and built a robotic hand from Lego.Upon hearing that a young girl was wearing a top of the line prosthetic arm for roughly $80 000, it got Easton to thinking - why not build an inexpensive alternative? Easton enlisted the use of a friend's 3D printer and began working on designs with Solidworks (a 3D printer specific design program) as well as pre-made parts on Thingiverse. His time and effort paid off, as Easton was able to design and build a working prosthetic arm that cost an amazing $250 (excluding cost of 3D printer).  

All the plastic components designs and electronic elements were sourced online, and constructed through trial and error.

Easton has been invited to show off his creation at the White House and the prosthetic arm even got the chance to shake hands with president Barack Obama. Since then Easton has developed an improved version of the prosthetic with more powerful gears and stronger components at an estimated cost of $500, which makes it twice as much as the original, but well short of the $80 000 alternative.    

3. URBEE 2 fuel efficient car

The next inclusion on our list, the URBEE 2 looks like something out of The Jetsons, with its conical shape looking rather odd when compared to current everyday cars on the road. But the design team from KOR Ecologic is not simply aiming to create a car that has a radical shape to it, but rather a car that is the most fuel-efficient in the world. The first prototype URBEE was completed in early 2013, and featured a completely 3D printed body, and the follow-up URBEE 2, will feature a similar approach, even going as far as to 3D print the entire interior as well.

One of the main differences this time round, is KOR Ecologic's hugely ambitious plan to drive the URBEE 2 across America on a single tank of fuel. For those of you unfamiliar with American geography, that's roughly 4700 kilometres. The proposed deadline for this two day long cross-country project is slated for some time in mid 2015, with the URBEE 2 carrying two people and a dog on only 38 litres of fuel.

KOR is currently crowdfunding this endeavour through donations, in order to generate the necessary capital to complete building the URBEE 2 as well as sponsor its bicoastal world record breaking attempt. Now all we need it do is fold up into a briefcase like George Jetson's flying car does.  

4. Cortex honeycomb forearm cast

For any reader out there who had to suffer the frustrating recovery from a broken bone, the Cortex forearm cast would of been a godsend on those days when you got an itch in difficult to reach location. Designed by New Zealander Jake Evill, what makes his alternative so revolutionary is that it's breathable, removable and washable.  

Described as a lightweight exoskeleton molded specifically to the shape of your body, the Cortex was born from Jake's own experience, when he broke his hand at had to have a cast put on, which he described as "archaic". Being a budding designer himself, Jake saw the opportunity to create something that was not only aesthetically appealing, but also more cost effective and recyclable.

In order to get a solid 3D scan of his forearm, Jake hacked the Kinect unit of a Microsoft Xbox and then began to design a honeycomb-like structure around it. The result was something that not only looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, but also seemed to have tangible real-world application.

To see more of Jake's innovative creations, you can check out his full design portfolio here.

Lead image credit - Makerbot