Prosthehand.jpg
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Location Genova, Italy
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Health topic Physical disabilities
Health classification Treatment

Problem being addressed[edit | edit source]

Several high technology prostheses are available worldwide however these are often too expensive. The high cost is a barrier to access in developing countries.

Detailed description of the solution[edit | edit source]

The hand can exert approximately 14 N of force with a powerful and precise grasp. The palm is made out of a wood plate, and the fingers are light, robust, and resemble human fingers. The device also takes advantage of using of one-way tendons so that complex dexterity is not required.

Relevance to developing country settings[edit | edit source]

This device is designed for developing countries because it can be built without special technical skills or machines. Although it does not provide fine manipulation, it is a cheap tool that could aid in farming and other daily tasks.

Designed by[edit | edit source]

  • Designed by: Enrico Ullmann
  • Manufacturer: PMARlab Robot Design Research Group of the University of Genova
  • Manufacturer location: Genova, Italy

Funding Source[edit | edit source]

This device receives academic funding from the University of Genova.

References[edit | edit source]

Internally generated reports[edit | edit source]

Ullmann, E., Cepolina, F., and Zoppi, M. (2004, July 1-2). Upper limb prosthesis for developing countires. Proc. of IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Manipulation and Grasping. PDF available here.

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Part of Global Health Medical Device Compendium
SDG SDG03 Good health and well-being, SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Eva Shiu
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 2 pages link here
Impact 220 page views
Created April 17, 2012 by Eva Shiu
Modified April 21, 2023 by Felipe Schenone
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