Scientists Develop Affordable, Customizable 3D Printed Hand

Scientists have built a robotic hand that can pick up and grip objects with just a wrist motion.

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK, have developed a 3D-printed hand.

More than 1,200 tests were performed utilising objects including a peach, computer mouse, and bubble wrap. It was implanted with sensors that enabled it to "sense" what it was touching. This was a massive challenge as the touch, feel and pressure of a human hand is extremely complex. Because it didn't require its fingers to move independently, researchers said the device was energy-efficient and low cost.

11 out of the 14 objects the robotic hand was tested with were grasped successfully.

The main benefit of this design, according to Fumiya Iida, professor of robotics at the University of Cambridge's engineering department, is the range of motion we can achieve without utilising expensive actuators. He added ""We want to simplify the hand as much as possible"

The researchers say that the hand could be used in a variety of applications, including prosthetics, rehabilitation, and manufacturing. They believe that the hand could be particularly helpful for people with disabilities who have difficulty using their hands.

The hand is controlled by a computer program that allows it to mimic the movements of a human hand. The program can be used to control the hand's movements in a variety of ways, including by using a joystick, a keyboard, or even a brain-computer interface. Just imagine how liberating it could be for thousands of people who, for one reason or another, have hand limitations.

The hand is still in the early stages of development, but the researchers are confident that it has the potential to revolutionize the way that we interact with the world around us. This new hand has the potential to provide a much-needed level of functionality and dexterity for people with hand impairments. It could allow them to perform everyday tasks that they would not be able to do with a traditional prosthetic. It could also help them to regain a sense of independence and confidence.

The development of this 3D-printed hand is a major breakthrough in the field of prosthetics. Prosthetics have come a long way in recent years, but they still often lack the functionality and dexterity of a human hand. This new hand could provide a much-needed boost to the quality of life for those who have hand disabilities.

Here are some other body parts that can be 3D printed...

Tissues and organs: 3D printing is being used to create tissues and vital organs for transplantation. This is a promising area of research, as it could help to reduce the number of people who die waiting for organ transplants.

Bones: 3D printing is being used to create custom-made prosthetic bones. This is beneficial for people who have lost bone due to injury or disease.

Skin: 3D printing is being used to create skin grafts for people who have suffered burns or other skin injuries. This is a life-saving treatment that can help to prevent infection and scarring.

Blood vessels: 3D printing is being used to create blood vessels that can be used in transplantation. This is a promising area of research, as it could help to reduce the number of people who die waiting for blood vessel transplants.

Heart valves: 3D printing is being used to create custom-made heart valves. This is beneficial for the thousands of people around the world who have damaged heart valves.

Cartilage: 3D printing is being used to create cartilage for people who have suffered from joint injuries or diseases. This is a promising area of research, as it could help to reduce the need for joint replacements.

Teeth: 3D printing is also being used to create custom-made teeth. This is beneficial for people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease.

3D printing is a rapidly evolving field, and new applications are being developed all the time. It is possible that in the future, 3D printing will be used to create even more body parts including a fully functional heart.

Chris Jones