e-NABLE, a global network of volunteers who are using 3-D printers, is targeted at creating free 3D-printed prosthetic hands for those in need.
"We're looking for partners in developing countries around the world who can help us assure the medical safety of our subjects," Jon Schull, founder of the foundation, told reporters Wednesday.
Traditional prostheses are too expensive, they can cost thousands of dollars per year and become impractical because children outgrow them, he said.
e-NABLE's website provides a hub for anyone, from design engineers and 3D print enthusiasts to those seeking a prosthetic limb for themselves, or someone else.
According to e-NABLE's estimate, the cost of materials of the Raptor Hand they make is approximately US$35. In contrast, a professionally made, muscle-actuated hand can cost around $6,000 to 10,000.
Schull mentioned that Google.org has awarded a $600,000 grant to the foundation to further advance e-NABLE's innovative work on 3D-printed open-source prosthetics.
By Ruchi Singh
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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