Ever since the beginning of the “robotic age”, the idea of a fully functional, mechatronic prosthetic hand has seemed within reach and, yet, has been impossible to achieve. So close and yet so far away. Since 3D printing and basic electronic components have become more affordable, all of robotics has been taking giant leaps forward through open source, collective research.
Looking at the latest 3D printed, robotic hand from Open Bionics, I get the impression that it is now just a matter of a few years before everyone who needs one will be able to afford a robotic prosthesis that can offer seamless interaction with the surrounding environment.
This prosthesis, appropriately dubbed by Open Bionics as “the most advanced 3D printed robotic hand”, was worn by 24-year-old Daniel Melville during the latest Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and it was quite a success, both based on the public’s enthusiastic reaction (apparently Daniel received a marriage proposal after he was featured on Snapchat’s live feed from the event) and for the ease with which Daniel – who has been 
Gibbard’s next objective is make the robotic hand completely wireless, while enabling it to lift heavier weights, close its fingers around smaller objects, and achieve better grasping. Through 3D scanning and 3D printing the entire development process is considerably accelerated. Gibbard is now able to scan an amputee’s residual limb and 3D print a custom-fitting prosthetic in under five days.
Every time he needs to make an adjustment or an improvement, redesigning and re-manufacturing the prosthesis is just a matter of a minimal time and material investment. Generalist media and institutions are taking notice, with the robotic hand receiving CES’ Best Product Innovation award and Joel Gibbard being shortlisted for Semta’s Engineering Hall of Fame. As similar projects are taking place all over the world, this form of collaborative competition is literally putting robotic hands within anyone’s reach.
