Maybe you've already heard of The Open Hand Project, a newly-launched campaign on Indiegogo that is aiming to create robotic hands for amputees. Not only are they open source ('Open' Hand, right? We see what you did there...) but they are aiming to keep their invention, called the Dextrus hand, accessible to everyone who needs one - that means amputees who would use it as a functioning extremity or attach it to their existing prosthesis, researchers, or even hobbyists interested in building their own robot. So how does it work? In the words of Joel Gibbard, its creator:
'The Dextrus hand works much like a human hand. It uses electric motors instead of muscles and steel cables instead of tendons. 3D printed plastic parts work like bones and a rubber coating acts as the skin. All of these parts are controlled by electronics to give it a natural movement that can handle all sorts of different objects.'
And how is it all coming together? 3D Printing, of course. We're continually amazed at the innovative and conscientious new ways people are putting their printers to use. Check out the The Open Hand Project on Indiegogo here, and don't forget to drop us a comment to tell us about your latest invention!