More than a year ago, Richard Van As and Ivan Owen embarked on a journey that would evolve to help the lives of a growing number of people. Robohand has provided people with an affordable, customizable, 3D-printed alternative to the costly prosthetic limbs currently offered by medical manufacturers. And, as its seen its impact from the US to Sudan, Van As’s endeavor has evolved, first releasing the Robobeast 3D printer, a low cost RepRap. Now, Van As and his collaborators have released the first prototype for the Roboleg.
I was told by Andrea Stevenson Won, of Biomodal, that one reason we haven’t seen a lot of 3D printed lower extremity prosthesis is that they probably can’t bear the weight of a person. Van As and his team have made new ground, yet again. Unlike the 3D printed arm, hand, and finger prosthesis previously tackled by Robohand, the new leg looks as though its meant to be capable of supporting weight by combining plastic parts with metal rods. People like Jose Delgado Jr. have been very satisfied with their 3D printed arms, which can cost less than $50. If the design of the Roboleg can bring the same satisfaction and price tag, it could be a real game changer as a lower extremity prosthetic can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, according to Disabled World. When Robohand pulls that off, as our friend Nils Hitze said, “[Richard Van As] for freakin Nobel Prize, please.”
Source: Facebook
