Custom Arm Prosthesis - Lightweight Parametric Prosthetic Arm

Custom Arm Prosthesis - Lightweight Parametric Prosthetic Arm - open-source assistive technology product by the TOM Israel community community

About this project

This solution is an inexpensive, quick-to-manufacture, 3D printed custom parametric prosthesis for below-the-elbow amputees. This prosthesis is the base unit that is connected to the arm and can be paired with different end units for a variety of functions for daily tasks or recreational activities (See below).

The challenge

For amputees, a prosthesis is often a necessity. However, there are no effective low-cost custom prostheses available on the market. Therefore a person that needs a prosthesis, usually can afford/ will receive from health care, only one. Getting a customized prosthesis today requires a lot of time and money, and most need to be replaced every few years.

Who it helps

The product offers an inexpensive, quick, adaptable, and durable custom parametric prosthesis for below-the-elbow amputees.

How it works

This is the latest version of the TOM Prosthesis updated November 2023.

Watch this video about the development of the latest version of the TOM Prosthesis.

This prosthesis is one of TOM’s flagship products and has gone through a long development process which included several early iterations. It was first made in 2019 for Noam in Tel Aviv to be able to cook and paint, later that year developed to allow Boon in Singapore to use the bathroom independently, and in 2021 further developed to allow Yael in Bnei Brak to play the violin. If you are interested in the violin prosthesis, you can find the final soft version here .

Compatible End Units

This prosthetic arm can be paired with different end units for a variety of functions for daily tasks or recreational activities. Click on the desired end unit to visit the product page. More end unit are currently under development and will be coming online soon!

- Utensil Holder End Unit

- Counter-Grip End Unit

- Basketball End Unit

- Guitar Pick End Unit

- Knife holder End Unit (coming soon)

Below-the-elbow amputees who hope to achieve greater independence in every day actions, such as working in the kitchen, playing the guitar, playing basketball and more. We worked with 8 different Need Knowers throughout the development process.

Utilizing 3D printing and parametric design enables this prosthesis to be both affordable and easily customizable for a comfortable fit for all users. It is designed to connect to a system of end units to remain multifunctional despite not being robotic. Our manufacturing process is cheap, simple & fast, so any makerspace center (e.g., a TOM community) can produce it.

This solution is an inexpensive, quick-to-manufacture, 3D printed custom parametric prosthesis for below-the-elbow amputees.

NEED KNOWERS, DESIGNERS, AND CONTRIBUTERS:

Designed with: Ester, Shula, Moshe, Eliran, Max, Moran, Lishye, Eliasaf, Yael, Noam, Boon

Designed by:

TOM R&D Team : Dana Yichye Shwachman, Alexander Geht, Aviad Kelner, Hannah Landau, Tom Avisar, Geffen Dotan, Devin Smith, Amit Lavie.

TOM Studio Summer ‘23 Internship Program : Netanel Aharonov, Tamar Meiri

‘22 Internship Program : Ahuvia Haneman, Vincent Chang

‘21 Internship Program : Sharona Simhi, Roy Borkin, Or Raizberg

‘20 Internship Program : Friedman Lev

End units : TOM Israel community Developers group ‘23: Teddy Cohen, Itay Siman Tov, Maya Paruz, Noga Rosen, Rotem Ben Yehuda, Rotem Gabay

Project details

The build files for Custom Arm Prosthesis - Lightweight Parametric Prosthetic Arm are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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