We shared the pictures of Johann receiving his Roboarm, but the story behind the story is what makes it real for us at Robohand.

Suzanne contacted Robohand inquiring about a hand for her brother. As it turned out she was in Australia and he was in South Africa. Suzanne and her husband were coming to South Africa on holiday to visit all the family and she requested if we could do Johann’s Roboarm while she was here.

We worked out all the logistics and the day before Suzanne was going to leave Australia her daughter told her that the reason they wanted them to come on holiday was that she was getting married!

So it was a double whammy holiday! After Johann received his Roboarm we asked Suzanne if she wouldn’t mind giving us some insight into her experience with Robohand. This is what she had to say:

“Around 6 weeks ago my brother Johann’s right hand was amputated at his wrist.  At that time I heard about Rich van As and started the search and made the eventual contact – all the way from Australia!

My husband and I traveled to South Africa and together with Johann and his wife Melindi, met with Rich to discuss if he could help. On Tuesday, 27th August 2013, Rich welcomed us to his workshop to fit a hand for Johann.  During the preceding weekend, “Maggie” the 3D printer produced the components of a new hand for Johann. 

Rich assembled this and on Tuesday, spent the day fitting the hand and fine-tuning the settings.  On Tuesday afternoon, Johann managed to pick up a small ball, a roll of kitchen towel and almost hold a cup. After three days he is almost completely independent again and he proudly announced on Friday that he can sign his name!
This has made a significant difference in his life and we would like to thank Rich and everyone involved in the development for the opportunity for Johann to be the recipient of a Robohand. You are special people helping those with disabilities to regain their will to live and work.”