Two hands, 10 fingers - These are things most of us take for granted. Robohand is the journey of one man's accident that has blossomed into an incredible philanthropic drive to re-enable and in some cases for the first-time, allow people (particularly children) the use of their hands. Using open-source 3-D printing, the folks at Robohand have and continue to build custom prothstetics that are at the same-time, functional and cost-effective. Consider giving to this fantastic cause.
About Robohand
Robohand uses 3D printing to provide functional, safe, cost effective upper extremity assistive devices to help enable any individual with an upper limb difference.
Functionality – The design of Robohand uses the motion of existing joint(s) to mechanically move (or drive) the custom made device. Robohands are not myoelectric and do not require invasive surgery. Nor do they have motors or battery packs that add weight, require maintenance and increase cost. They are environmentally friendly as the PLA they are 3D printed with is biodegradable.
Safety – Robohand creator, Mr. Richard Van As, has dedicated much of his personnel time, energy and financial resources to further his personnel belief that his inventions “DO NO HARM”.
Robohand uses medical Orthoplastic that is custom molded to the wearer to limit the possibility of skin lesions, infection and injury. The Orthoplastic used by Robohand is breathable, washable and medically approved for this type of use.
A Robohand device is custom fitted which adds to client comfort. A proven statistic is 25% of people with prosthetics do not wear them due to the fact they are uncomfortable. Using medical Orthoplastic ensures Robohand will remain medically fit for use and long term wear.
Robohand uses stainless steel hardware that is less likely to fail or break, does not rust or discolor and decreases the risk of infection/injury. Dome nuts are used to decrease the likelihood of injury to yourself or others. Stainless steel is more medically appropriate than cheaper hardware. Many of our clients like to swim and bathe in their Robohands and the stainless steel does not rust or discolor.
Cost effectiveness – Every effort has and will continue to be made to keep Robohand devices cutting edge with innovative designs to increase function and manage cost while maintaining Robohand’s devotion to high product standards with the safest materials available.
Robohand’s mission is to help enable people with an upper limb difference, be more independent and interact with the world so that they might live a full and joyful life.
Since mid 2011, we have been on an adventure to create mechanical fingers that can replace lost digits.
Through research and development we have discovered that there are no functioning replaceable digits that don’t cost the earth. If you cut off your whole hand there are prosthesis widely available to you, but if you lost your fingers there are no replaceable digits.
Follow our Journey of self discovery as well as the incredible work done to create fully functioning mechanical fingers for the lay man and hands for children. The first ever in the world!
We have published this as open source so there is no patent and the design is available for free. - Robohand
robohand.net
@techandjunk
