High-tech in Ukraine How a 3D printer helps war wounded

A high-tech facility in Lviv, Ukraine, is using 3D printing technology to aid injured civilians and soldiers recovering from war-related injuries. The Superhuman Center, one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the country, has integrated advanced digital manufacturing into its treatment protocols, enabling the creation of custom prosthetics and medical devices tailored to individual patient needs. The center operates continuously, with sliding doors opening and closing nonstop as patients enter. These individuals have sustained injuries from drone strikes, landmines, and rocket attacks. Among them are military personnel, athletes, journalists, and ordinary citizens, including children. The facility was established in April 2023 through private initiative and has since received support from international donors, governments, and partner institutions. As of July 2026, over 105 million Swiss francs in donations have been collected, allowing the center to perform more than 2,600 operations and produce over 3,100 prosthetics within its own laboratories. At the heart of the center’s operations is a state-of-the-art 3D-printing lab, managed by laboratory director Arkadii Bohdan. This lab produces a wide range of customized medical solutions, from prosthetic limbs to specialized tools designed for specific tasks. Before fabrication begins, each patient undergoes a precise 3D scan, which allows for the creation of individually fitted prosthetic sockets, critical components that determine comfort and mobility. “The socket is the only part of the prosthesis that must be fully custom-made,” explains Bohdan. “That’s where 3D technology really shines.” Beyond prosthetics, the lab develops unique assistive devices. For example, a musician who lost part of his hand was given a specially printed tool to hold a plectrum. The center also assists surgeons by creating detailed 3D models based on CT scans, which help prepare complex procedures and allow implants to be precisely adjusted before surgery. These models enable pre-operative planning and improve surgical outcomes. Collaboration with international partners such as the Radboud University in the Netherlands and the Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris has further enhanced the center’s capabilities. “We learn from each other,” says Bohdan. The large number of war-injured patients has provided Ukrainian specialists with extensive experience, benefiting both local and global medical communities. The center’s approach emphasizes personalized care, with many experts accompanying patients for months during their recovery. Eddy Scott, a British humanitarian worker who arrived in Ukraine in 2022, initially worked at the front lines assisting with evacuations and emergency relief efforts. In January 2025, he suffered injuries during a drone attack. His involvement with the center highlights the ongoing commitment of international volunteers to supporting Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure. The center continues to expand its reach, with new facilities opening in cities such as Dnipro and Odessa. All treatments are free for patients, though fundraising campaigns are used to cover costs for expensive electronic prosthetics. The success of the model developed in Lviv has led to its replication in other regions, demonstrating how innovation can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by prolonged conflict.