The Journey

In May of 2011, Richard van As lost 4 fingers from his right hand. On the very same day, he decided that he would develop a mechanical replacement to restore some of the functionality that he lost. Many warned him that the challenge was too great for one person or even a small team of people to accomplish, but it didn’t shake him from his vision.


In December of 2011, after seeing a video of a mechanical hand prop on YouTube, Richard emailed Ivan Owen and invited him to collaborate on the design. They tinkered, brain-stormed and after many emails, photos, drawings and Skype-sessions, they created their most promising prototype.

With the support of donations from people who believe in their shared vision, the possibility of their larger dream becoming a reality grew stronger each day. With the continued support of their families, friends and the global community, these two men from opposite sides of the planet were able to shake hands in person and embark on the next stage of this incredible journey.

During the refinement of the Robofinger, we were donated two Makerbot Replicator 2 3D printers to use for prototyping and manufacturing of small parts. With these two printers in our possession our focus shifted for a while to develop what is referred to as the “ABS” hand (Robohand). Our revolutionists Richard and Ivan developed a mechanical hand for children. A first in the world. We have helped three children in South Africa and one in the United States with these hands.

In February 2013 we refocused our energies and Richard collaborated with CNC machinists in South Africa to put the final Robofinger prototype into production. These are due to come off the production line in March 2013 and will be ready for distribution all over the world. They have been manufactured in a DIY kit kind of way where they come in small, medium and large with certain parts that will need to be put together by the wearer.

Robofinger tips

The Robofinger without the hand cap

Robofinger on the hand without the hand cap