Open Hand Project

James Dyson Award Winner, Joel Gibbard.

Prosthetics have improved since the pulley operated split hook prosthesis but owing to high costs, have yet to find a place in mainstream healthcare. Over the last few years, the acceleration in 3D printing technology has cultivated a new way to manufacture products in low volumes at low cost. This can dramatically reduce the price of robotic prosthetics and make them more accessible and further reaching with the potential to reach amputees in developing countries. 3D printing has advanced significantly in the last few years and the cost of 3D printers has reduced. In the near future, printing with multiple materials simultaneously will be achievable and functional devices on a small scale will be possible. 

All Images Copyright Jim Johnston 2017.