I know this is really girly and probably super cheesy but I cried when I watched this video put together by Not Impossible Labs dedicated to Rich. As the wife who has been on this journey with Rich since he cut off his fingers, and being personally and emotionally invested in Rich and Robohand, it is quite scary when some one else puts something like this together and shows you how far your journey really has come.

I think people forget that Robohand is a Not For Profit organisation and that we do this in our spare time. We are not a massive organisation with many employees and an endless bank account. We are two individuals with a vision to enable the world. We now have a third member Leonard, who is handling all our communications, media, and the business side of Robohand. Plus he still jumps in and makes hands when he can. He attends all the events when time allows and interacts with people where Rich is bombarded and there is not enough of him to go around.

We do not have a Web design team that handles our Website, Facebook and Twitter accounts. We do not have an admin clerk that handles all 7 email accounts of hundreds of queries we get everyday. This is done by Rich and myself. In our spare time. We have friends like those at Pixel Magic who gave us guidance by redesigning our website and making it easier for me to manage, Schalk Heunis from House4Hack who donates his time to help out at Robohand HQ, my sister who translates for us and sits on our committee to keep us centred.

When I look back over the passed months and I watch a video like this one put together by Not Impossible Labs, I cannot believe how much we have achieved in such a short amount of time – and that in our spare time too!

We rely solely on donations from the public. The kits that we put together and send all over the world, are charged for but cover material costs only. Everything else comes out of our back pocket or from the public’s generous donations. We do not get paid for the time that we spend making hands for people or educating the public on how to make hands.

When we were approached to open a Robohand office in the USA and Australia we realised that there are very passionate people all over the world who want to contribute in some way. Unfortunately everyone needs to earn a salary to be able to live and give back to their communities. It is for that reason that both our International offices charge for their time as well as their material. This is their full time job. It takes approximately 10 hours to fit a Robohand to an individual. This excludes the 5 hour print time for the parts of the Robohand. Each fitting is customised and very personal. It’s almost like going to the doctor’s office. And going forward Rich will be charging for his time too.

I am going to put it out there now. Robohand will charge US$2000.00 for a customized fitted Robohand. Whether it be in person or via a long distance collaboration. This is very cheap considering Robohand is not mass produced.

The design and files are free and available for download from the internet. We are happy for people to make their own Robohands. Collaborate with your school, University, Friends and Colleagues to help someone in your community. Purchase a Robobeast printer which has all the design files already on it and enable people in your community. Upload your pictures and your stories to our Facebook page. Spread the news and engage with people who have upper limb differences. Or contact one of our offices, have an assessment done and Robohand will create your medically safe Robohand for you.

My heart bleeds for the thousands of amputees all over the world and I wish that I could wave my magic wand and they could all have Robohands for free. Unfortunately this is not the reality we live in. Each person that comes through our doors walks a journey with us and us with them.  When I see the smiling faces frozen in time on a photograph or video, it makes my heart smile wider than I thought possible. When I think about the dreams of people who have received Robohands being realised, I get a funny feeling in my stomach and it makes me glow with happiness.

From the beginning Robohand has been about enabling. Not Impossible Labs took that to the next level with Project Daniel when they went to the Sudan. I get goose bumps when I think about the amazing things that are happening there and how many people will be enabled due to their generosity.

Take your future into your own hands. Go and ENABLE!

A few months ago, CAD House donated a Cubify 3D printer to Robohand to assist with building our print farm.

Today, after Robohand had a meeting with Bernard, the owner of CAD House, he graciously gifted Robohand a scanner and sculpting software. This is a great enhancement tool for Robohand.

The sponsorship of the Cubify 3D printer, the Sense scanner and Sculpting software, now makes a complete Cubify package for Robohand.

Thank you to Bernard and CAD House for your generosity and willingness to help out Robohand.

CAD House has just launched their CAD Lab which encompasses a complete 3D Development solution with membership plans to suite every budget. Not only do they offer great products and software but now you can sign up for a membership to use their awesome products.

Visit them at http://www.cad-house.co.za/ for more information or via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/3DPrinterRSA

]]> http://www.robohand.net/2014/02/technology-today/feed/ 0 http://www.robohand.net/2013/11/open-letter-to-robohand-diyers/ http://www.robohand.net/2013/11/open-letter-to-robohand-diyers/#comments Tue, 26 Nov 2013 15:45:00 +0000 http://www.robohand.net/2013/11/open-letter-to-robohand-diyers/ Continue reading →]]> Important Safety Information for the Robohand

Greetings, 

My name is Tyhanna Esham, OTR. I am an Occupational Therapist with twenty years of experience. For the past ten years I have specialized in hand therapy in Atlanta,Georgia.

Recently, I returned from Johannesburg SouthAfrica where I studied Robohand design with its creator Mr. Richard Van As. Since his accident two years ago resulting in amputation of several digits, Mr. Van As (an amputee himself and having an intimate knowledge of the unique issues facing hand deficit individuals) has devoted much of his personal time, finances and knowledge toward developing cost effective, functional and safe uses for the Robohand design. 

Regarding Construction of the Robohand: 

• Use Robohand design #44150 (thingiverse) for durability. The “Snap Together” Robohand model (thingiverse # 92937) was intended for demonstration use only. It lacks strong, secure hardware and is prone to failure with heavy use. 
• Use quality hardware as listed in the Assembly Manual. Lesser quality hardware may result in failure, rusting, poor cosmetics and most importantly a dysfunctional Robohand that could cause injury and infection. Stainless steel hardware with dome nuts must cover exposed screws to prevent injury to the wearer or others. Although stainless steel adds to the initial cost of a Robohand, it is stronger, safer and less likely to cause injury/infection making it more medically appropriate. Another benefit of stainless steel hardware is that it can be reused in upgrades as the child grows or as the Robohand is updated or replaced. 
• Custom moulded Orthoplast is medically appropriate for Robohand use, provides an excellent surface for pressure distribution during use of the Robohand, thus decreasing the likelihood of pressure areas and injury. It is recommended that an experienced Occupational Therapist or Hand Therapist do the moulding. PLA plastic should not be used on bare skin. Although low cost and somewhat mouldable when heated, the PLA plastic’s pitted surface will collect sloughed skin cells, becoming an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Its’ rough edges, pitted surface and inferior custom moulding characteristics make it likely to chaff the wearer causing skin lesions that may become infected. Medical Orthoplastic, when used by an experienced practitioner, is easily moulded, modified and cleaned. Use of zip ties, duct tape, and ill fitting, make shift items, like shin guards are likely to cause pressure areas. With continued use, these inappropriate items are likely to impair circulation, irritate fragile skin, sensitive scars, compress nerves and cause skin lesions. 

Regarding Application/Use of the Robohand: 

• Robohand should only be used by children/individuals with good skin integrity and intact sensation who possess the mental capacity to safely wear and properly use it. Children should be of an age to request and understand the purpose of the device. 
• Wearers must inspect their skin regularly to ensure safety of fit. Any problems must be promptly addressed to prevent injury. 
• Amputations, crush injuries, burns and multiple or recent surgeries often result in fragile skin, compromised circulation, sensitive scars, and painful neuromas. These issues can take years to resolve and may result in a life long struggle. This last scenario is made more likely if an ill fitting device is applied or any device is applied when inappropriate. Burn victims and individuals with hyper sensation or lacking sensation are generally not good candidates for Robohands. 
• Please do not use children for R&D purposes as they are often unaware or unable to reliably report pain resulting from an ill fitting device. 
• Consult with an Occupational Therapist or Hand Therapist to determine suitability and proper fitting. 

Parting Thoughts: 

Robohands are a tool that can enhance performance of certain tasks; they should not be presented as a panacea. We need to be mindful of not creating unrealistic expectations. Sometimes other devices or adaptations are more helpful. 

While I admire and encourage exploration of 3D printing technology to expand ways to help people with limb deficiencies find functional, low cost, life enhancing devices, I recommend the use of consenting adults who will participate in follow-up during the R&D process. 

I too am excited about the new Robohand technology, but I must emphasize caution and discretion with its use. Children, their parents, and adults with limb deficiencies may be experiencing physical and emotional difficulties that people with normal limbs cannot imagine.

Let us all tread lightly and first, Do No Harm. 

Sincerely,

Tyhanna Esham OTR/L RobohandUSA 

Lynda Poole, OTR Paediatric Occupational Therapist 

Grae Scheuber BSc(Hons), RobohandAustralia 

Thomas is 7 years old and is in Grade 1. Thomas was born with ABS like so many other children that have visited Robohand.

He is a very excited young man and chatters on and on about all sorts of things. He has a very vivid imagination. We think he just likes the sound of his own voice.

The family Brian, Mariska and Sarah-lee came to visit a few weeks ago for a fitting and to see if Thomas is a candidate for a Robohand. Since then Thomas has told his entire school that he is getting his Robohand today and everyone will be waiting patiently for him on Monday morning.

When the family arrived this morning Thomas got straight on the chair and started chattering away about getting his Robohand. As usual Rich starts with the fitting of the hand cap and gauntlet which is the most tedious and lengthy process.

When Thomas was here for his fitting, he put in a request for red and white fingers. Rich duly obliged.

It is the middle of winter here in Johannesburg at the moment and Rich’s workshop is freezing. So after some nice hot coffee and hot chocolate, we carried on with the fitting.

Thomas enjoys cricket which is his favourite activity. He can’t wait to play cricket with his new Robohand and we are hoping that it will be an extremely positive thing and he will grow from strength to strength. Thomas also believes that you shouldn’t do any running if there is no ball involved. His sister did cross country at the beginning of week and his mom asked Thomas if he would like to join in the running. Thomas’ response was “But there’s no ball, so why should I run?”

Thomas’ other pass time is Video games. He love shooting games the most but also enjoys driving games. He enjoys soccer too.

Thomas is very popular and has lots of friends. He told us that he has a girlfriend who he is going to marry but he is going to stay with his mom and dad so he doesn’t have so far to travel to school. He is good at Maths and hates vegetables, especially peas and green ones.

After another long day for Rich, Thomas has a happy grin when he leaves with his Robohand.

As the videographer at MakerBot, I kept coming back to the thought that a video about how Robohand is using their MakerBots would be quite powerful. I presented the idea to my team, got approval, and bought a ticket to Johannesburg.

I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into when I landed in Jo’burg. I’d been Skyping and emailing with Rich for a while by that time and I knew he’d set up time with some of the children using Robohands. But at that point, the trip was mostly fueled by trust and inspiration. I have to admit – my first morning in South Africa was a bit overwhelming. I’d messed up my rental car reservation, my bank had frozen my account, and driving on the left side of the road is way more challenging than I had expected. But when I finally met up with Rich and his lovely wife Beth, all my troubles melted away. They were incredibly warm and friendly and I knew I was in good hands.

On Friday we met with Liam and his family. I shot footage of Liam getting a larger size Robohand and interviewed his mom Yoldandi. On Saturday Dylan came out to Rich’s for his very first Robohand. Seeing the joy on his face the first time he tried on his new mechanical hand and noticing the tears form in his mother’s eyes gave me chills. It was in that moment that I knew that the Robohand story is as precious as I thought it might be – and that I would have the opportunity to share part of that story with the world. On Monday Waldo came with his mom to get a resized Robohand from Rich, and I got the last of the footage for my shot list.

Rich and Beth stuffed gifts into every pocket of my suitcase to bring back to the team at MakerBot, and waved goodbye. I’m back in the States now and can’t stop telling everyone about the wonderful people I met, and the wonderful project they’re working on. I am so honored to be able to take part in sharing this story with the world, and I can’t wait to see what becomes of it.

Go Robohand!

After a busy Thursday, Friday and Saturday, we took Annelise from MakerBot around Johannesburg and showed off a little. We started at the Rosebank Rooftop Market, where there is such a vibrant display of African artistry.

We asked one of the stall owners to please blow a Vuvuzela for Annelise so she could hear that African sound. And then we asked her to imagine 5000 Vuvuzela’s in a stadium and the reverberation that takes place.

We came home for a home cooked meal of Roast Lamb with all the trimmings. We went out for frozen yogurt for desert and then took a stroll around Monte Casino.

All in all it was a fabulous day. Thank you MakerBot for sending Annelise over the pond to SA.

Waldos hand coming for repairs

The last day of the long Easter weekend and Waldo and his mom arrived for his “upgrades” and “adjustments”. Waldo’s first Robohand’s fingers were made slightly smaller and tighter for him to practise his dexterity. His wrist movement has improved dramatically and he has been visiting with Carmen the OT once a week.

Richard reprinted his hand on the MakerBot Rep 2 ready for assembly this morning.

While waiting for the hand assembly to be completed, Waldo was playing on his tablet to pass the time. During discussion with Waldo, he expressed that he is very excited as cricket season starts at school in the next term and he can’t wait to try out for the team with his Robohand.

He has also been practising at home a lot, to pick up things and we have uploaded several video’s to our You Tube account. http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnMi2JjodBWItWmE-zdZmBw

Another long day but we are on the home stretch completing the tension of the cords and making the final adjustments.

Happy days. Waldo’s Robohand is complete and looking awesome. Well done Rich for another outstanding achievement. Waldo we hope to hear great things over the coming months.

Dylan arrived at Robohand this morning for the fitting of his Robohand. There have been several discussions with the family and with Dylan before he decided that he would try out the Robohand. Dylan had some reluctance when it came to the functionality and the aesthetics of Robohand. Being twelve and not having had his hand all his life he was a bit hesitant how Robohand could benefit him.

His mom and dad had surprised him a few weeks ago with a visit to Robohand and the possibility of Dylan receiving a hand.  Dylan loves technology but it was a bit of a shock when he was exposed to Robohand. 

However, he is now inspired and ready to receive his Robohand. Here are pics of the hand cap after fitting before being put together.

Dylan has not allowed his handicap (or smiling hand as he calls it) to hold him back. He is an avid Cricketer and Golfer. He made it onto the Shot-put team and is a swimmer, a chess champion and does triathlon. He is starting to learn boxing too which we think is quite an accomplishment.

We will upload all the pictures taken during the day to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robohand/260864887366912) but here is Dylan seeing how the hand feels with the fingers on. The cords still need to be attached and everything to be cleaned up.

On Dylan’s elbow is a really nasty scar (on his smiling arm) from a climbing (and falling) accident when he was younger and he had to have a pin put in his elbow. A very determined and capable young man he will try everything once.

Once the basic assembly was complete and Dylan tried on his hand, he wasted no time in trying to pick up the ball! I had already turned off the video after Richard and Dylan had discussed what final adjustments need to be made so I did not catch him reaching over and picking up the ball for the first time ever! It was awesome tho’. We made him do it again and posted a second video after this one.

http://youtu.be/snPIItUStS4

We have come to the end of the day and Dylan’s Robohand is complete and fitted. We got some awesome photo’s and video and he and his Dad were already playing catch in the driveway and Dylan caught the ball.

Well done Richard and Dylan!

A month or so ago, my daughter was given a task at school to go and find new technology and present their findings to the class. After class she went to her teacher to slyly tell her about Robohand and what her Step

Needless to say her teacher got very excited and asked if Richard could come and speak to the class about Robohand. Once he said yes and a date and time was agreed, the news spread through the school like wildfire and before he knew it, he was talking to class after class after class until he had interacted with nearly everyone in the school.

It was truly inspiring for the children and young adults as well as the teachers, that in life, you can accomplish anything! It was validation that what they are learning at school is not for nothing and they can really make a difference in the world, be it a small one or a big one. Most of the older kids were very excited to see how simply Robohand operates and what new things they can create themselves. We even had inquiries from Brazil to use our videos in their classes to assist their children with their studies and innovation.

The message is clear. Think outside the box and you can do anything! Or as one TV advert put it “throw the box away!” Appreciate your education and strive to do your best. As an individual you CAN make a difference but as a Nation we can change the world.

Robohand is not about fame or fortune. The intent is to help people who need it. We are very proud for the work that Richard is doing and are still looking for donations to support his work. As much as we are trying to provide these fingers for free, we cannot do that unless there is funding. At the moment, Richard is providing his time for free and most material costs come out of his back pocket, but this cannot continue.

We are investigating registering an NPO (Non Profit Organisation) but in between life the universe and everything else it is quite time consuming. But we will keep you posted and let you know as soon as we’re registered.

If you would like to make a donation please see the Donations and Contact page for the current banking account details. Your support would be appreciated and goes towards creating a tool to help someone in need.