Robohand, created by Richard van As, has been voted as the best prototype design by visitors to the Design Indaba.
The prototype creates 3D-printed and aluminium CNC-machined, anatomically driven, custom fitted, mechanical devices to help limb different individuals as an alternative to standard prosthetics.
The idea of Robohand started when Van As had a woodworking accident in 2011, severing all his fingers on his right hand. He quickly discovered that prosthetics are not affordable for the layman, and there are no functioning replacement digits. So he set to work in researching and developing a finger replacement for himself.
After creating his first few prototypes, Ivan Owen, who had created a giant mechanical prop hand, joined Van As to collaborate on the design of a replacement finger for tradesmen. In September 2012, Robohand was officially named and the first working prototype was published.
The first aluminium hand was fitted to a young boy in South Africa.
Once its creators realised the potential of 3D printing, the aluminium Robohand was recreated in 3D print. Two We Makerbot Replicator 2, 3D printers were donated to kick start the new vision of Robohand.
3D printing is the process of extruding layer upon layer of plastic over the same area, building up a 3D composite. Robohand makes use of an online platform called Thingiverse where you can download free designs for Robohand. An assembly manual on the same platform allows for 3D enthusiasts to create their own basic Robohand.
The team has sourced medical grade hardware and medical splinting material to ensure the safety of the wearer, and allow the device to be immersed in water.
The first successful prototype was published in January 2013, with the design being published open source.
Since then, Van As Richard has streamlined Robohand and fitted more than 200 hands to individuals all over the world. This is possible due to 3D scanning, hard moulds and 3D printing.
Robohand has also launched the Robofinger and Roboarm.
During 2013 Robohand was nominated for the Rockefeller Innovators Award as well as exhibitions in the Science Museum of London and the Youngstown museum. It has also been featured in many publications and received much local and international exposure.
The prototype was one of those featured by Absa on its stand at the Design Indaba, where it offers a platform to expose African designer’s innovative products and prototypes.
“There is an abundance of design talent in Africa, as evidenced by the massive variety of innovative products on display at Design Indaba every year,” says Lauren Smith, brand manager: marketing at Absa.
“But for every product that does eventually get to market, there are at least a dozen more that never make it into production – due to a variety of reasons ranging from a basic lack of funding to insufficient business knowledge and experience to a concern that the product will not be adopted by consumers.
“This year, we showcased South African design prototypes with the potential to go to the next level and encouraged expo visitors to vote for the prototype that they felt should be made into a sellable product. This also afforded the prototype and designer the exposure from a local and global perspective that they otherwise would never have had access to,” Smith says.
