I originally posted the following information and commentary onto my Facebook wall…
Jose Delgado, Jr. tries out the open-source, 3D-printed, “E-nable Hand”
Jose Delgado, Jr. Compares His $50 3D-Printed Hand to His $42,000 Myoelectric Prosthesis:
https://3duniverse.org/2014/04/19/jose-delgado-jr-compares-his-new-3d-printed-hand-to-his-more-expensive-myoelectric-prosthesis/
(Jeremy Simon) I would like to share a story with you about the power of 3D printing technology to transform lives.
I recently had the opportunity to work with a great guy named Jose Delgado, Jr., a 53-year old who was born without most of his left hand. Jose found his way to me and asked if I could help make a 3D printed prosthesis for him.
Jose has used multiple types of prosthetic devices over many years, including a myoelectric version that uses the muscle signals in his forearm to trigger closing or opening the fingers. The cost of this myoelectric device was $42,000. Only a portion of that was paid by insurance and the rest by Jose. The cost makes it an unaffordable option for many in similar situations.
My Commentary: “E-nable Hand” (aka “Cyborg Beast”) is an open-source 3D-printed hand, made with $50 in materials. Meanwhile, the myoelectric prosthesis described in this article is a $42,000 device, made with patented top-of-the-line technology. Guess which one Jose Delgado, Jr, a life-long prosthesis-wearer, born without most of his left hand, prefers?
