3D printing is a fast and upcoming industry, with investors betting against a global spike in demand for the latest technology.
One sector on the verge of this upheaval is the prosthetics – and now thanks to crowdfunding it could very soon become a reality.
The Open Hand Project are seeking crowdfunding for a new robotic hand made entirely from 3D printing.
Through the new method of printing, it reduces the cost by up to 100%.
Speaking with Tech City News, founder Joel Gibbard told me it all started from a university project to see whether it was possible to make a low cost prosthetic hand with the same functionality as a high end one.
It happens too often in academia that research proves a concept can be cheapened but then its just left.
I wanted to take my research further than university, I just needed to get the money and have the guts to go through with it.
Reduction in costs
Because the materials used are plastic rather than carbon fibre and titanium, a robotic hand can be sold for as little as £630.
The design is being targeted towards amputees, researchers or for hobbyists.
The Open Hand Project are trying to raise £39,000 to develop the innovation and improve the prototype.
The project is open-source and won’t have be patented meaning its open for other people to tweak and sell on.
When asked whether he was concerned people would exploit this for money, he wasn’t bothered by the idea.
I would encourage people to steal and sell the product. Some countries have import taxes of 100% and doubles the price.
Economics will self regulate anyone that overcharges for the units. They’re be making money, but it’s more about getting the devices out to amputees for me.
Developing countries
The hope is developing countries will be able to create cheaper prosthetic hands.
Because the project is open source, people will be amazingly resourceful.
If the area isn’t able to buy exactly same materials, they can adapt the plans to materials they might be able to get hold of.
The project is still open for funding and you can donate to the scheme here.