Complete set of mechanical anatomically driven fingers

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Published on January 24, 2013
This thing was Featured on May 8, 2013

Description

This set of functional mechanical fingers was developed by Robohand

To learn more about our project, please go to:
[http://makerbot.com/robohand](http://makerbot.com/robohand)
[http://robohand.blogspot.com/](http://robohand.blogspot.com/)
[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robohand/260864887366912?ref=ts&fref=ts](http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robohand/260864887366912?ref=ts&fref=ts)
or watch the [video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT3772yhr0o)

Instructions

*News!*

5/21/2013
Uploaded New Starting point file for Left and Right hands. Files feature numerous changes including:

-Revised Thumb mounting point, for better printability and reduced clean-up.
-Revised Fingertips so elastic and control string can be attached more simply.

You can download the assembly and parts manual here on Thingiverse "Thing number 64720": thingiverse.com/thing:64720

Both right and left hand files are now available. Due to the large number of individual parts, the easiest way to access the STL files is to extract them from the .thing file using Makerware. To do this, delete everything on the build plate except the part you want to convert back into an STL, then click file "save as". Under the "file type" drop-down menu, select the ASCII STL option.

An updated version of the complete hand file (2.5) and thumb mount (2.5) are now available as of 2/4/13. The new version includes:

-improved function developed after further experimentation with the hand. It also includes improvements to the hand's aesthetics courtesy of Chris from Anthromod.

-an improvement to the cable guide for the thumb mount, as well as the addition of a bungee anchor on the thumb mount.

-The addition of extra mounting holes on the thumb mount

-The inclusion of the cable guide/anchor blocks used on the "Gauntlet"

_________________________________________________

The device in its current state can be assembled by using 3mm nuts and bolts in the holes provided. The fingers have guide holes in the top and bottom. The holes in the top are for return cables (Robohand used bungees) and the holes in the bottom are for control cables

Notes on printing:
We advise that the thumb mount and hand mount bar/wrist hinge be printed at 100% infill for maximum strength as these parts are subjected to the most mechanical stress. For the rest of the components, our expiriments suggest that 20% infill is sufficient. All of the parts were printed with a layer hight of 0.2mm.

This device was then mounted on a "gauntlet" made from thermoplastic. When the wearer bends their wrist, it causes the cables to be pulled and thus flexes the fingers. we have completed a manual for assembly. This will be available on our blog..

Using Makerware, it could be scaled to fit a wide range of individuals. The only thing that would need to be changed is the size of the bolts purchased from a hardware store. The design is open-source and in the public domain. We encourage anyone who can make use of this design for any purpose to do so :)

The parts shown in the pictures were fabricated using a Replicator 2 that was given to our project by Makerbot. Thank you Makerbot!!!
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Hi everyone
My name is Francisco from Spain. My nephew was born with amniotic band syndrome and he is mising the fingers of one of his hands except for the thumb. He is 3 now. He asked the other day why he couldnt have another hand to play like his twin sister so I started looking and found Richard's project. I'm looking for help from someone who have a printer to make the parts, of course i would cover all the costs involved but i need someone with the hardware and expertise to make the parts so i can build it for him, if there is someone out there please contact me on dreamingdigital@gmail.com
Thanks in advance
Francisco

Hi Francisco, I sent you a mail. will help with pleasure. Regards Rich

Hi, love this project...... Just wanted to say that I was searching on Indiegogo and could not find you with the search of "Prosthetic" or "Hand" and think you should add those critical tags there. I just made a donation there as well. Keep up the good work. I have a Replicator2 and lots of PLA material and would love to print a few extra sets of parts if that would help anyone. Just request a color and where to ship the parts or any other details. I just got in some glow in the dark PLA and a few bright colors in.

Simply awesome! My son was born with no left hand and the lower left arm stops shortly after the elbow. I wonder if this would work with an extension that sits in the arm (held up oever the elbow. Most likely, the impulses for the finger(s) would be a problem. The nerves and bones are present in the small lower arm piece, but could those be used to trigger the gripping?

Hi, I have a set of arm extensions . they are not plastic or printed tho. Send me a mail to richard@rjat.co.za then maybe we can get a design down for your son. cheers Rich

Hi guys, excellent work! I need your help in start making robohand in the UK. I have sent you an email at robohand417@gmail.com and richard@rjat.co.za. It would be great if you could reply. Thanks!

mount_bar_with_wrist.stl is needed as in "Remake_of_Robohands_prosthetic_hand"

OK, Makerbotters,

If you're willing to receive inquiries from people who need a Robohand, put yourself on this map.

Let's crowdsource the distribution system!

https://mapsengine.google.com/...

How can I add myself to the map?, I have followed the link but I cant find a way to put me on the map.

Wasn't it deemed illegal to 3D print prosthetics?

I'd add myself if I could figure out how!

that is the most amazing print I have ever seen here!!
Congratulations for your Impressive work

This is amazing...

AWESOME MATE!

You mention in the video that with this prosthetic hand you could ride a bicycle.
I have a question about that; Is it possible to hold the bike handle with the prosthetic hand while using 2 fingers to pull on the break?
Would such an action simply make the hand led go of the bike?

Very impressive!

This is absolutely amazing. Completely awesome! I would love to print one of these for someone that needs it.

Fantastic! I reached out to you by email about my son Charlie. I'll download these files and start printing today to see if I can give you some feedback. Thanks for all your work.

Sent you a mail back.

Screw the "Like" button... WHERE'S THE LOVE BUTTON! This is the sort of work and mind set that will allow the human race to survive! GOOD ON YOU MATE!

You are amazing robohand - this would be so helpful for those out in developing countries - would love to share this if you don't mind - cheers mate - you are the best...

I have been on the Thingiverse for about a year and have seen some really amazing functional "things" here, this is the tops!

I have a student in my class that has one hand that would be very interested in this.

Thank you for your hard work on this project.

Would love to see some pics of the finished hand afterwards

You sir, are my hero!

The idea of using 3d printers to aid in the making of prosthetic has been a dream of mine, and you are truly an inspiration to my cause.

THANK YOU!!!

awesome. i am toally speechless.

To everyone offering assistance – thank you very much. We would like to try and co-ordinate where everyone is all over the world so please send an email to robohand417@gmail.com with what type of assistance you can offer, where you are on the globe as well as your contact information. Thanks!

I wonder if this could be adapted for use by someone with fingers, as a power assist glove. Mum has MS, and sometimes her fingers don't feel like moving when she tells them to.

Hi. thanks for the positive comment. To answer the question. if you look through the thingi's you will see the start of the exoskeleton. if you are a 3D print bof and script. I will most certainly assist you with some design plans in Sketch form and you can then get creative. Limitations are in a box. throw the box away before you start. Cheers

Rich

this touched me. i'm compelled to design a "glove" made of a sugru or oogoo substance to give it a more human feel and look. hmmm. i guess i need to give it some thought. outstanding post robohand! this is what the creative commons community is about.

Yip! a lot more thought. There were to main objectives with this. Affordability and function. once you have managed to find medical silicone which is "not poison" and you have a medical practice no to buy it. it will become clear why I would go this route. I always say. if it ain't broken don't fix it. Cheers and thanks for the post. Rich

This is an amazing use of the Bot, and a truly touching story!

WOW! Speechless.

Are the OpenSCAD design files for this published somewhere?

Look for the movie titled: 3D Printed Magic Arms on that website.

3D Printed Magic Arms

This message is specifically for lakefern, but it could benefit others.
Try this website, they may have a solution: http://bcove.me/z8mykift
They created a full rig for a child who could not move her arms, and now she can.
Hope this helps.
I'll pass this website and the other one along to anyone that needs either of them.

Dunno why Richard hadn't posted it yet, but they are running a Funding Campaign right now that could use your help: indiegogo.com/projects/robohan...

this is amazing! my teacher is the co founder of a foundation called the getty owl foundation. they are funding devices for SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). if you could figure something out as a sort of exo-skeletal pair of arms for people with SMA then contact me. Thanks!

Hi there! so impressed!!
I am a school teacher, teaching technology, using Inventor autodesk, have recently acquired a 3 D printer from makerbot, would like very much to use this hand as a project for the class, have a graduated student who needs this wonderful device, could you please give me manual, assembly instructions etc.
for such projects. Thank you
G Dulanto

email me at richard@rjat.co.za. I'll send it to you if you cant download it here.

the manual for assembly is complete, email richard@rjat.co.za for a copy.

I live in Bellingham Wa. My 9 year old son was born one-handed. I am very interested in trying to make one of these for him, but have never worked with 3D printing. I'm sure you're flooded with requests for help, but here's another one. :-)
If you could contact me I'd really appreciate it!

Hi. Apologies there is a chap in Bellingham that can help you with the printing of the hand and possible the assemble there of. Let me know if we can assist you. Please send me a mail and I will send you his details and make contact for you at the same time.

Rich

If Richard didn't contact you yet (busy busy man) lemme know. My email is nhitze@gmail.com - i live in Germany but i have contacts to all over the US and people capable of 3dPrinting. Would love to help

My 5 yo son was born with a left hand nearly identical to Liam's right from symbrachydactyly. This device is amazing. I've located a 3D printer here in North Carolina and I've down loaded the files to my jump drive. How can I get assembly instructions? And I may be mistaken, but are the specs for the gauntlet included? I want to produce one of these for my little guy so badly; I cannot wait!

Send me a mail to richard@rjat.co.za I will send you the assembly manual. Cheers Rich

NCPete72 - Please contact me at your earliest opportunity. We've been swamped with a large amount of work, and the tutorials & further constructions are under development, but I'd be happy to work with you directly while we get the instructional materials finished.

Please email me at comingupshorthanded@gmail.com and I'll let you know what the next steps are and provide you with guidance on how to assemble and fit the device for your son.

If you can do so today, I will be able to give you a response within 24 hours as I have some time blocked off on my schedule for answering emails.

Thanks!

- Ivan

I'm a 15 year old who is really interested in making these and giving these out in my community for free. Can I use it to build robotic hands and present them to my school on how I was able to make them and give them away? (it's a free project and I'm building my own 3D printer and showing things you can do with it)
Thank you!
PS. I will give you all the credit of the design and all!

Sure you can build them - it's licensed under Creative Commons. Good luck

When I saw this I nearly died. My grandson was born no left hand caused by ABS (Amniotic Band Syndrome) and his name is Liam. I just think you guys are awesome and hopefully someday my little baby will be able to use something like this. He does remarkably well now but as he gets older and really starts to use his hand/s, this would make things so much easier for him. Thank you for what you do and don't ever stop!

This is so crazy cool! My son, adopted from China when he was 2, was born with missing fingers on his right hand (symbrachydactyly). He is about to turn 7 in a few weeks. I'm not really sure how we could do this, but just the possibility is so amazing! Thank you!

Greetings Momhand!

Please contact me via email and I can speak with you further about how we might be able to help. I can't say for sure if there's a way to adapt it, but we're willing to take a look and at least try :)

Please email me at comingupshorthanded@gmail.com and I'll send you a response with next steps & some questions that will help us get a better sense of what the possibilities may be.

Thank you!

- Ivan

This is wonderful.

Here it is in the news: http://www.nbcnews.com/technol...

This is very inspiring, and not easy - Excellent job. I am honored to be working on a highly advanced prosthetic hand & arm for wounded veterans. However, it won't be for everyone, and isn't meant to be. The (fortunately) small market and unbelievable volume of paperwork keeps many companies from even attempting such feats, which is really infuriating. Please keep doing what you are doing - helping kids & inspiring so many others.

Have you considered making a design that actually is "his" hand by using the free program, 1-2-3D Catch, to 3D scan his other hand, then mirroring his fingers to make the new hand? It may not be worth it if the grippy thimbles work well, and it would be hard to incorporate your already excellent design, but I do think it would be possible. It might offer him a more natural look if he cares about that now or in the future. Let me know if you'd like to discuss how that might work. I'd be happy to help.

You are changing the world and are an inspiration for us all to emulate. Thank you!

Parenting, You're doing it right.

Thats Great! There should be more things like that!!!

This is so inspiring!

Absolutely brilliant! I think this begs the question, where are the Thingiverse Awards? :)

wow that is hard to compete with, I mean helping kids and adults with missing fingers. The next thing will have to be a printable fusion reactor to top that.

Screwing the company that makes these things for huge dollars + huge insurance costs + insurance premiums screwing the next poor kid... I love this stuff!!!

Wow, You helped thousands.

You guys rock! And I am sure you will keep rocking in the future. I wish you all the best. I am studying to be a mechatronics engineer, and one of my ideas for the future (job-wise) is also development of practical affordable prosthetics. I admire your dedication!

Wow, there should be a website dedicated to open source prosthetics designed to be 3d printed. Very cool stuff your doing.

I think there is one, but I can't find it...

I like this device. Very neat. I am working on a plastic pin set for this so I can mess around with it without using metal hardware. Probably won't hold up to heavy use but should be fun as a desk toy. Can you post your source file so I can work on improving your design?

Certainly. I'll upload them within the next day or so and send you a message when they're available. Just a heads-up though: The files are in OpenSCAD & my code is rather disorganized and lacks documentation at the moment. Rich and I made many changes on the fly with the focus being on getting Liam's hand ready for him ASAP, so I have yet to take the time to clean it up.

If you don't mind wading through the messy scripting, however, we would very much welcome anything you can find to improve! :)

This is good:). I have another boy in mind for it too. His name is Power and he lives in the Philippines. His left hand was malformed at birth. Quite cool.

Excellent! This is exactly what we were hoping for! Other individuals using this design to help either themselves or people that they know. Do you know Power personally? If any of what we have learned by creating this for Liam could be of use to you in adapting the design for him, please let us know. Send a message to us at ChainCrafts@gmail.com(Ivan) and richard@rjat.co.za(Rich).

Thank you!

Great work! I guess that seeing that nice smile on the boy's face should be the best reward you can get!

fma - you are absolutely correct :) The greatest moment is when Rich and I were working together with Liam in South Africa. The moment Liam realized that his wrist motion powered the device, he exclaimed "It copies me!!".