Bucks County mom Victoria Nedza is embracing newfound independence thanks to a custom-built robotic arm designed by an occupational therapy team at Widener University, writes Stephanie Stahl for CBS News Philadelphia.  

Nedza, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, faced significant challenges in her daily life, but the innovative device has made a remarkable difference. 

The robotic arm was created in an occupational therapy lab at Widener University in Chester, Delaware County. The project was undertaken by two graduate students and their professor, Monique Chabot. 

“They were really receptive and responsive right away,” Nedza said. 

Commercially available robotic grabbing devices didn’t suit Nedza’s specific needs, so the team at Widener had to think outside the box. Using drawing boards and a 3-D printer, they crafted a unique solution tailored to her hand weakness. 

Nedza’s robotic arm has significantly improved her ability to pick up items from the floor, a task that once required her to rely on her son.  

The collaboration between Nedza and the Widener team has blossomed into a meaningful partnership, with the lab now part of a community of volunteers dedicated to creating assistive devices for others in need. 

Read more about Victoria Nedza on CBS News Philadelphia.  

Widener University builds new robotic arm to help mom suffering from rare form of muscular dystrophy