Team Joán

Team Joán - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Columbia University community

About this project

This device is a prosthetic leg for people amputated above the knee. Our goal was to develop a mechanical prosthetic that is water resistant in order to allow users to keep them on while showering or walking in the rain. This device is also meant to have a much lower cost than commercial prosthetics and simple to dimension and recreate in any makerspace.

This project was developed at the Makeathon at Columbia in 2020 based on the needs of Joán Bolanos Martinez, whose leg was amputated almost a decade ago after a car accident. After a couple calls and meetings with Joán in order to prepare for the event, we settled on our first priorities for the product and some possible design ideas. Over the course of the three days we developed a working prototype with PVC, aluminum extrusion, and silicon.

The challenge

Joán's challenge is that he cannot use his current prosthetic device when he goes to the beach and other types of environments. His wish is to be able to help other amputees who cannot afford prosthetic devices by making them affordable and accessible to all.

Who it helps

Joán is a senior at Columbia University, and is originally from Venezuela. Almost a decade ago, his leg was amputated above the knee following a car accident and malpractice.

Project details

The build files for Team Joán are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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