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Low-Cost 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hand To Be Tested On Amputees In Ecuador

Posted by samzenpus on from the we-can-print-him-better dept.

Zothecula writes A PhD candidate and six undergraduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UCIC) have created a low-cost, programmable, 3D-printed prosthetic hand that may soon change the lives of amputees in Ecuador. The hand costs just $270 to manufacture, making it a small fraction of the cost of a typical prosthetic of this type.

16 comments

  1. Costs an arm and a leg though by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    so I'll pass!

    1. Re:Costs an arm and a leg though by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 1

      only with an HP and if you have a good health care you will be covered.

  2. Frist Psto by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I would've gotten Frist Psot, but my 3D-printed hand was still printing.

    1. Re:Frist Psto by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 1

      No no no. You printed it two days ago. You've been using that hand for something else.

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      (-1: Post disagrees with my already-settled worldview) is not a valid mod option.
  3. low-cost and MAY change? by turkeydance · · Score: 1

    there's the Delta.

  4. Manufacutring isn't the problem in the US. by trout007 · · Score: 2

    If you have FDA regs, liability insurance, and lawyers all of a sudden it's $100k.

    --
    I love Jesus, except for his foreign policy.
    1. Re:Manufacutring isn't the problem in the US. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They're just trying to ensure the best possible service. Now, get down on your knees and suck.

    2. Re:Manufacutring isn't the problem in the US. by TubeSteak · · Score: 2

      If you have FDA regs, liability insurance, and lawyers all of a sudden it's $100k.

      Nope

      (a) Identification. An external limb prosthetic component is a device intended for medical purposes that, when put together with other appropriate components, constitutes a total prosthesis. Examples of external limb prosthetic components include the following: Ankle, foot, hip, knee, and socket components; mechanical or powered hand, hook, wrist unit, elbow joint, and shoulder joint components; and cable and prosthesis suction valves.

      (b) Classification. Class I (general controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter, subject to the limitations in 890.9. The device is also exempt from the current good manufacturing practice requirements of the quality system regulation in part 820 of this chapter, with the exception of 820.180, regarding general requirements concerning records and 820.198, regarding complaint files.

      I even linked all the cited sections if you want to read a bunch of dense legalese that in no way supports your claim that FDA regs are the reason for expensive prosthetics.

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      [Fuck Beta]
      o0t!
    3. Re:Manufacutring isn't the problem in the US. by trout007 · · Score: 2

      You refute your own argument. If you don't want to go to jail you need to hire a team of lawyers that are experts in FDA regulations to determine if what you want to create is exempt and which regulations you do need to comply with. Then you need an auditing team to make sure that you are properly complying with the regulations you do need to meet.

      That is the problem with these types of regulations. You need an expert to even know if you need to follow them.

      --
      I love Jesus, except for his foreign policy.
    4. Re:Manufacutring isn't the problem in the US. by Sarten-X · · Score: 1

      So it's not exempt from environmental regulations (part 25), serial numbering regulations (subpart B of part 801, and part 830), written instruction regulations (subpart D of part 801), or reporting regulations (part 803). Then there's part 806, which requires a report to the FDA every time a design is changed. That could be interesting for a 3D-printed device.

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      You do not have a moral or legal right to do absolutely anything you want.
  5. But by Vinegar+Joe · · Score: 1

    Can it grip and fire a 3D printed pistol?

    --
    "The average reporter we talk to is 27 years old......They literally know nothing." - Ben Rhodes
    1. Re:But by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why stop there? 3D printed prosthetic gun hand.

  6. Why five fingers? by Zaatxe · · Score: 1

    It's not like they are going to play piano with these prosthetic hands.
    If I was going to use this, I would want one with three fingers, the size of the hand would look less disproportionate.

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    So say we all
  7. Programmable prosthetic hand? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Isn't that a Slashdot poster's wet dream? :-) (me excluded of course)

  8. Sure it is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    That's part of why 3D printing is so useful - you can buy an unregulated 3D printer, download an unregulated file, and print whatever you want even if it's patented or arguably dangerous.

    The problem with manufacturing in the US is that it's too vulnerable to coercion by large violent cartels - it needs to be more decentralized so any small 3D printing shop can sell their products anonymously.