Violin Prosthesis - 3D printed version

Violin Prosthesis - 3D printed version - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Shenkar College community

About this project

The PJ Prosthesis Violin Module is a 3D printed modular attachment for the original PJ Prosthesis that allows amputees to play bowed string instruments with ease. The device was designed for a violinist and should be applicable for other users wanting to play bowed string instruments.

The challenge

This product was designed for Yael, a young woman and classical violinist from Petah Tikvah, Israel who was born without her left arm. With no existing market-based solution to enable amputees to play bowed string instruments, Yael took to her own wits and jerry-rigged herself a fabric glove for her stub with a holder for a violin bow attached by thread and tape. As her journey as a violinist grew more serious, Yael sought out TOM to develop and manufacture a tailor-made violin module for the PJ Prosthesis.

As part of the annual Merkaha or Jam Week at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Israel, Shenkar’s TOM community held a 72 hour makeathon where a team of second and third year students was tasked with designing a low-cost attachment for the PJ Prosthesis platform that would allow an upper-limb amputee to play a violin. Additional PJ attachments developed at the TOM: Shenkar Makeathon include drumstick and smartphone holders for Itamar, and a chef’s knife attachment for Ester.

Who it helps

A 3D printed modular attachment for the original TOM PJ Prosthesis that allows amputees to play bowed string instruments with ease. The device was designed for a violinist and should be applicable for other users wanting to play bowed string instruments.

How it works

Product Specs

Approximate Cost: USD $60

Time Required: 2 Days

The PJ Prosthesis Violin Attachment is a 3D printed holding device that enables the attachment of a violin bow to the PJ platform. This modular attachment is designed to fasten and stabilize the bow, allowing for a wide range of motion and fluid playing at the amateur and professional level. The attachment sits on a small axis that allows the bow to pivot based on the user’s needs.

To build this product, please download the product file and take adequate safety precautions when using manufacturing equipment.

For any questions regarding the assembly, operation or specifications of this device, please contact danays@tomglobal.org .

To follow updates on PJ Prosthesis, other assistive tech solutions by TOM communities and our global network of makers, follow us on social media here .

Product Development History

PJ Prosthesis is a universal platform that enables continuous development of modules and attachments, both custom-made and generic, to accommodate a wide array of functionalities and features for different users of different sizes.

Development of the PJ Prosthesis platform began in 2018 when TOM’s Tel Aviv community created a lightweight yet durable 3D printed prosthetic arm for IDF veteran Noam Guez. After losing his left arm in basic training, Guez wanted a comfortable device to regain his independence in daily tasks and beloved hobbies like cooking (especially Shakshuka) and painting.

TOM: Singapore adapted the platform in 2019 to accommodate the needs of Tan Wee Boon, a Quadruple Amputee who lost his limbs to a flesh eating bacteria, resulting in the PJ Prosthesis Double Amputee Module. This new module employs generic functions for double upper-limb amputees, such as easily attaching and removing the device independently using a pull string, as well as tailor-made sizing and functionality to allow the user, Boon to shower and use the toilet independently. Additional developments in Singapore include refining the prosthesis base to boost appeal and creating a grip for holding spoons and bottles.

See the PJ Prosthesis Double Amputee Module here .

Most recently, TOM: Shenkar outfitted the prosthesis with two new specialized attachments to the modular limb to allow Yael and Itamar (27) in Israel to play the violin and drums respectively. These developments took place at the annual Merkaha or Jam Week at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Israel, where Shenkar’s TOM community held a 72 hour makeathon. Additional PJ attachments developed at the TOM: Shenkar Makeathon include a smartphone holder for Itamar, and a chef’s knife attachment for Ester.

“TOM communities hope to develop multiple product lines of modular device attachments for PJ to enable amputees to regain freedom of function and pleasure in the arts, crafting and more,” says Daniel Levy, Head of TOM R&D. Levy heads the development of PJ, along with two other industrial designers from Tel Aviv.

PJ Prosthesis has been featured in Channel News Asia , the Jerusalem Post , and Baltimore Jewish Life .

Changing the World with a Modular Prothesis by TOM from TOM Global on Vimeo .

Project details

The build files for Violin Prosthesis - 3D printed version are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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