Introduction: Mod Squad Prototypes
These are prototypes for prosthetic arms made from recycled toy parts. The intention is for them to be given to child amputees in developing nations who do not have access to a prosthetic arm and would otherwise have nothing.
If you want to try out using toys to make prosthetic arms for child amputees join our group Mod Squad!
The way of attaching it to a child's body still needs to be developed and the durability aspect needs to be improved but it is a good start and explores the possibility of what we can do with these materials.
The reason we wanted to re-use toys is because they are so abundant here in the US and create a lot of waste. Plus they are colorful and fun and appeal to children and some toys are even made specifically to withstand the wear and tear of child's play.
The first set I made from one robot toy that I got at Wallgreens for only $9.99.
The second set my classmate Mariana made out of the toy Toobers and Zots, it costs only $19.99 for a kit that provides enough to make at least 2-3 arms.
The issue of attaching the arm to the child's body still needs to be explored. The yellow spiral on the left end is perfect to cover up what helps attach it to the arm.
10 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
to a child amputee to sudenly be given a robot toy arm realy must raise their spirit.
good luck, i will try to pass the link to other pages
14 years ago on Introduction
The link does not work.
14 years ago on Introduction
I would never give something like this to my patients......ever. the soda bottle concept is 1000 times better and easier hands down. thumbs up to you for exploring different ideas but this one is toast. I highly recommend going to school to learn orthotics/prosthetics. I did and because I did I can tell you this wont work.
14 years ago on Introduction
This is worth all the time and effort it will take to make this happen. I will be sending the link to anyone I can think of in a field that will help you get this accomplished. Good luck!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I'd rather spend my time procurig real, useful prosthetics for amputees and decorating them to suit their taste. As corny and weel intentioned as this may seem, a flashy yet useles prosthetic is just a hindrance
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I work in college where an orthotics/prosthetics course is run every few years.
The amount of work that goes into making the just socket which the residual limb (aka: the stump) can fit into properly has to be seen to believed and without proper training and materials would seem to be almost impossible.
Perhaps a good first step would be getting involved with the Open Prosthetics Project <http://openprosthetics.org/> if you're really serious about this.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I actually do have a post up on the wikki at Open Prosthetics. My hope was that someone on there might have suggestions for cost effect solutions to the socket because based on what I have read and the people I have talked to tell me that it is a major challenge for something like this. Feel free to join the Mod Squad group here on instructables, we have a forum discussion going about collaboration with Open Prosthetics and also a forum discussion regarding the attachment issues. Thanks for your insight!
14 years ago on Introduction
One problem I am seeing is this. Because you are using "recycled toy parts" there doesn't seem to be any consistency in your raw materials. The instructions for making an arm from a toy robot would be different than those for making one from a dump truck... and even different between dump trucks of varying conditions and manufacturers. If you were going to repurpose new items so that they were to be useful for this... why not just get raw materials instead? I'll take the risk of raining on your parade here, but I'm just offering my perspective. In my opinion, it would be a better/more efficient to perhaps find a way of recycling "old" or "obsolete" prosthetics to donate to developing nations, or even raise funds for someone else to do this.
14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for your thoughts. Please keep in mind that these are very early prototypes, we did not intend for these exact models to ever be actually used. We just wanted to start experimenting with what could be done by reusing the existing materials with the goal of finding cost effect solutions for those without the resources to otherwise obtain a prosthetic. We are hoping by getting more people involved that more advanced and practical solutions could evolve.
14 years ago on Introduction
Your joking right? These neither seem useful or practical. Attaching the arms will probably cost a pretty penny, plus, they won't work. O.K. yeah, I'm gonna assume this is a joke.