Gino Tubaro is offering thousands of children across the world the chance to receive a 3D printed prosthetic thanks to his Limbs project. 

8-year-old Kaori Misue was born without fingers. Usually, creating specialized prosthetics costs upwards of $15,000. However, thanks to a 21-year-old inventor, Misue received a prosthetic hand which has changed her life.

Gino Tubaro is offering kids born without limbs the chance to receive a cheap 3D printed prosthetic. Misue’s mother, Karina Misue, adds: “It was magical… The confidence it gives kids is tremendous. They’re using it with pride.”

Tubaro’s 3D printed prosthetic designs are part of the “Alternative Limbs Project”, which began in his home of Argentina. The prints come in a range of designs, offering users the chance to decide what they need the prosthetic for most, whether it’s playing an instrument or ping-pong. The prosthetics for kids can even be superhero themed (and shoot rubber bands).

Impressively, the work was also praised by President Barack Obama when he visited Argentina last year. Tubaro explains:

“It’s a wonderful experience because we’re getting photos of kids using the prostheses in Thailand, Mexico, Egypt … doing things that they couldn’t do before.”

Tubaro Helps Kids All Over the World

Tubaro has always been interested in creating. As a child, he spent his weekends at a local workshop and now, he’s enrolled in an electrical engineering course at National Technological University in Buenos Aires.

Back in 2014, Tubaro was still in high school and dabbling in 3D printing. He was asked by a mother if he could 3D print a limb for her child. He delivered the hand and since over 500 more prostheses. However, there are still more than 4,500 people on the waiting list.

For the Alternative Limbs project, volunteers around the world who own 3D printers create and assemble prosthetic pieces before delivering them. The designs are custom modified and orthopedists help make sure the final prosthetic fits the user.

Amazingly, 3D printing lowers the cost of the designs to as little as $15. Currently, the project is financed through both award money and donations.

Tubaro splits his time between the project and his degree. He adds: ”Seeing a kid wearing a hand from Iron Man, Batman or Princess (Elsa from Frozen) gives us so much pride.”

Source: Phys.org