Digital Humanitarians of e-NABLE Create 3D Printed Prosthetics
e-NABLE is a worldwide network of “digital humanitarian” volunteers making free, open-source 3D printed prosthetic upper limb devices for children and adults in need, such as those who were born missing their fingers or hands, or those who lost them due to war, natural disaster, illness or accidents.
The Backstory
In 2010 a hobbyist costume designer created a mechanical hand as part of a costume and shared a video of the design on YouTube. A person from South Africa, who had lost his fingers, commented that the design could be a solution for him,and soon after, a volunteer organization took shape, becoming e-NABLE. Since then, the group has grown massively, with thousands of people involved, and dozens of designs for wrist-, elbow-, and shoulder-operated devices.
How It Works
Existing designs from the e-NABLE forum library can be modified and scaled to fit properly. The prosthetics are designed to be flexible for different limb sizes and shapes, but that flexibility sometimes means the fit isn't as good as the user would like. In such a case, a good solution is to 3D scan the limb and use the scan to fabricate a custom-fitted, comfortable device.
Who Benefits
People who are missing fingers or arms below the elbow can benefit from e-NABLE’s 3D printed prosthetics. This is especially helpful for children, because they are growing and need new devices every 1 to 2 years. e-NABLE devices are lightweight, robust, easily-replaceable, and benefit from continuous optimization as the community prints, tests, and tweaks the designs.
Improving Lives
Children use these devices for simple tasks: for holding water bottles while being able to hold a snack in their other hand at the same time, for helping to give them balance by allowing them to use two hands to ride a bike or swing on the swings, for holding sports equipment like baseball or cricket bats, for catching balls, and for other simple tasks where having two hands is essential. Some children have found that they’ve even been helpful for swimming! As children grow, new, larger devices can be designed and printed at a fraction of the cost of professional prosthetics.
Devices for Animals
During the summer of 2021, an online hub for animal prosthetics was created to coordinate several unique needs, and quickly grew into e-NABLE's most popular topic. Cases include prosthetic legs for several geese and a replacement hand for a sloth!
Comparison to Professional Devices
A commercially-made, muscle-actuated hand can cost thousands of dollars, and they are excellent, custom-made devices using materials like carbon fiber, implemented under a doctor’s supervision. But, for those without sufficient means, e-NABLE prosthetics are life-changing. e-NABLE does not charge for the prosthetic devices it provides, and they can be 3D printed in a wide array of materials. .
Experts Involved
Dr. Albert Chi of Oregon Health Sciences University works closely with the e-NABLE community. He is a trauma surgeon with a background in biomedical engineering, clinical research, and has been featured on “60 Minutes” for his work on high-tech brain-controlled robotic arms. There are approximately 30 Certified Prosthetist-Orthotists and Occupational Therapists members of the community. These volunteers work with engineers and 3D designers in e-NABLE, to provide input on comfort factors, usability, and design.
Global Network of Volunteers
In the 14 years since its inception, e-NABLE volunteers all over the globe have 3D printed, assembled, and donated tens of thousands of hand and arm prostheses to people of need in mostly underserved communities. There are approximately 40,000 e-NABLE volunteers in over 100 countries and an estimated 10,000-15,000 device recipients.
Results
The e-NABLE movement continues to grow to suit regional needs, resources, and partnerships. Select results include:
- 197 active chapters across 53 countries
- 33,000 volunteers; 25% of whom are people living with limb differences and piloting free open source devices
- 750+ Hub (online platform) members from 103 countries
- Massive global reach: 25,996 annual site visitors from 159 countries
Getting Involved
Whether you are interested in becoming a volunteer to 3D print and assemble devices, you want to build your own device, or you want an e-NABLE volunteer to help you create one – there are a variety of options and suggestions that will help you to your ideal end result!
Visit the e-NABLE website to learn more and get involved
How We Help
Matter and Form are proud to support e-NABLE’s mission with a significant discount on THREE, available to all active, vetted members.