Violin Prosthesis - soft version

Violin Prosthesis - soft version - open-source assistive technology product by the TOM Israel community community

About this project

The PJ Prosthesis Soft Version is a flexible prosthesis base design that enables amputees to independently perform daily functions and hobbies that require swift, precise natural movements, using custom and generic attachments.

The challenge

The TOM Prosthesis Soft Version enables arm amputees assistance with everyday tasks and hobbies that require swift, precise natural movements.

Who it helps

The TOM Prosthesis Soft Version is a flexible prosthesis base design that enables amputees to independently perform daily functions and hobbies that require swift, precise natural movements, using custom and generic attachments.

How it works

This product is accessible to the public thanks to TOM's partnership with Poalim for the Community.

The TOM Prosthesis Soft Version was designed for arm amputees who wish to engage in hobbies that require swift, precise natural movements.

Many amputees choose not to use a prosthesis in day-to-day life or when practicing certain hobbies because they are too bulky, heavy, uncomfortable, need to be charged, or simply cannot perform wanted actions. For Yael, we design a 3D printed part that holds the bow and provides her full control and freedom when playing.

The TOM Prosthesis Soft Version allows amputees to perform daily functions and hobbies independently using custom and generic attachments, while maintaining maximum comfort and control. The printed part is manually sewn to the soft base, making it customizable for every user!

The TOM Prosthesis Soft Version is a flexible prosthesis base design that enables continuous development of attachments to accommodate a wide variety of features and functionalities.

Product Specs

Approximate Cost: USD $15

Time Required: 7 Hours

Watch the story of the TOM Violin Prosthesis here !

The story of the TOM Violin Prosthesis from TOM Tikkun Olam Makers on Vimeo .

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 the 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 the 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 includes 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 Prosthesis by TOM from TOM Global on Vimeo .

Project details

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

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