UCF limbitless solutions is featured in The Franklin Institute’s newest exhibit, body odyssey

The Franklin Institute’s all-new Body Odyssey exhibit showcases two bionic arms from UCF Limbitless Solutions, highlighting the fusion of wearable technology and artistic design. The sculptures will be on loan to the exhibit through 2029 and displayed in a gallery of technological innovation within the expansive new exhibit on the human body and its quest for balance and well-being.

Body Odyssey surrounds the museum’s iconic Giant Heart, taking guests on an imaginative journey through the human body across three galleries, exploring biological systems, biotech innovation and personal health. Through interactive environments, cutting-edge technology and full-body simulations, guests will dive into the complex workings of the human body, discover the connection between mental and physical health, and experience the latest advances in medical and sports technology that are shaping the future of healthcare.

Since 2014, Limbitless Solutions has dedicated itself to creating bionic arms for children with a limb difference — free of charge. For every individual, the arms aim to represent empowerment, inclusivity, accessibility and creativity combined with innovative engineering.

Within Body Odyssey, the museum shows firsthand how the latest technology and data push the boundaries of medicine and human performance. As part of the exhibition, Limbitless Solutions will showcase how much the wearable technology field is growing and how much more of a difference it can make, now and in the future. Limbitless Solutions Executive Director Albert Manero ’12 ’14 ’16PhD was honored to attend the unveiling of the new art sculpture pieces at the museum’s celebration.

The program was thrilled to work with the award-winning experiential design firm MDSX, who spearheaded the exhibit, with direction from Abby Bysshe, The Franklin Institute's chief experience and strategy officer, and Jayatri Das, the museum’s chief bioscientist and director of science content.

Limbitless isn’t only making a difference in the lives of those with a limb difference but also in the lives of UCF undergraduate and graduate students. Each semester, Limbitless works with student scholars across various academic disciplines for multi-semester experiences to nurture their professional development through interdisciplinary work and project-based learning. Among these scholars is the Finishing team, who designed the featured arms to suit each child's creative expression. The student scholars represented in the project included:

• David Cardona, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art - Painting and Drawing track, College of Arts and Humanities, School of Visual Arts and Design
• Nico Chen, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Emerging Media - Character Animation track,College of Arts and Humanities, School of Visual Arts and Design
• Nuha Khan, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• Viviana Arroyo-Rodriguez, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science; and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at the College of Arts and Humanities, School of Visual Arts and Design
• Viviana Rivera ’23, pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences – Integrated Medical Sciences track, College of Medicine; and recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and a minor in studio art, College of Arts and Humanities, School of Visual Arts and Design

“Being part of the painting process, I see firsthand how functionality and artistry come together to create a truly meaningful work worthy of a museum,” says Cardona, a Limbitless associate scholar. “It reminds us that these prosthetics are both empowering medical devices and unique pieces of craftsmanship.”

In his third semester at Limbitless, Cardona had the opportunity to work on many arms, enhancing each one's artistic and expressive nature. The creative designs of the bionic arm sleeves play a pivotal role in preventing prosthetic rejection and empowering the individual who wears them. By creating sleeves inspired by each child’s personal interests and preferences, the prosthetic becomes more than just a device — it becomes a part of their identity.

The two arms on display showcase the versatility and creativity of the Finishing team, which continuously designs and produces innovative designs, including a deep and rich green arm based on Microsoft’s Halo video game franchise. Driven by its values of innovation and giving back, Halo Studios has collaborated with Limbitless Solutions since 2018 to create new Halo-themed prosthetics. In contrast, the other arm sculpture features a vibrant blue base complete with swirls and orange, purple and pink hues to symbolize a lava lamp's glow.

Limbitless Associate Scholar Chen is in their fifth semester with Limbitless and thrives in knowing that their art empowers individuals in their daily lives.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to design and paint unique pieces integrating art with prosthetics that aim to empower individuals,” Chen says. “Showcasing these two specific projects in a prestigious museum like The Franklin Institute is an honor.”

A part of UCF’s award-winning School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD), these students are constantly immersed in an environment that celebrates the fusion of traditional and contemporary art and design forms that inspire creativity across diverse mediums. The partnership with the school is led by SVAD Assistant Director and Associate Professor Matt Dombrowski ’05 ’08MFA. Also serving as Limbitless’ creative director, Dombrowski shows students how to transfer what they learn in the classroom to their professional work.

Limbitless Solutions is honored to be a part of this opportunity, showcasing the incredible contribution of the talented student scholars who make up the organization. These student experiences are made possible through the generous support of sponsors, partnerships, and donations. To support a future Limbitless student intern, donate here. To learn more about Limbitless Solutions and the scholar program, visit here. 

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is among the nation's premier science centers and a renowned leader in science and technology learning. As a dynamic center of exploration, the museum blends storytelling, interactivity, and entertainment to create unique and inspiring experiences for guests of all ages. It has emerged as a premier destination for immersive traveling exhibits in North America, with a strong history of success in presenting major blockbusters and world premieres. Now in its 200th year, the museum remains at the forefront of innovation and a top destination for curious minds seeking to delve into the marvels of science and technology. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

About Limbitless Solutions:

Limbitless Solutions is a non-profit research facility at the University of Central Florida (UCF) dedicated to increasing accessibility and empowering children and adults in the limb-difference community. Through personalized, creative, and expressive bionics provided without financial burden, Limbitless empowers using innovative technology and interdisciplinary collaboration to address accessibility issues. Limbitless develops and evaluates muscle-based biosensing technology, including multi-gesture bionic arms, a hands-free wheelchair control device, and interacting video game training – all currently in national clinical trials. Limbitless accessibility technology uniquely leverages video game-based training that converts muscle flexing into the video game character’s actions, led by UCF faculty members Matt Dombrowski with UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design and Peter Smith with UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media.

Founded in 2014 and located in UCF’s Research Park in Orlando, Florida, Limbitless combines engineering and art to promote access and engagement in STEAM learning experiences for a more inclusive future. Undergraduate students from various academic perspectives engage in project-based learning, professional development, and research experiences where students put academics into practice in an environment focused on making a difference and professional and technical development. Visit www.3DHope.com to learn more.