3D Printed Arms Fulfill 12-Year-Old’s Drumming Dream

Aubrey Sauvie, a 12-year-old girl born as a triple congenital amputee without both her arms below the elbow and some toes on her feet, never let her disability define her. “It’s just one part of me. It doesn’t make me, me,” Aubrey told WKRN in an interview. Despite her challenges, she excelled in dancing and breaking boards, but playing the snare drum perfectly remained elusive.

Aubrey’s middle school band teacher recognized her potential and sought help from Tennessee Tech University. The university had a program called ‘Engineering for Kids,’ where 10 students decided to develop prosthetic arms to help Aubrey achieve her drumming dreams. This initiative not only aimed to assist Aubrey but also to boost her confidence as a drummer.

The Tennessee Tech University students embarked on designing a suitable prosthetic for Aubrey. After exploring various options, they decided to create a 3D-printed arm tailored to her needs. They considered her musical interests, specifically her desire to play the drums and the xylophone, ensuring the prosthetic would support these activities.

After a semester of hard work, the team successfully developed a 3D-printed prosthetic arm that enabled Aubrey to play the full drum set. This innovative solution allowed her to finally achieve the right sound on her snare drum and play without the drumsticks snapping on her elbows. The project not only fulfilled Aubrey’s drumming dream but also empowered her to play confidently and passionately.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the People.