Elon University Student Joshua Trubinsky Wins 3DPrinterOS’ 3D Design Competition with Innovative Prosthetic Hand
![Elon University Student Joshua Trubinsky Wins 3DPrinterOS’ 3D Design Competition with Innovative Prosthetic Hand](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/620126acdd13716fb8a8b3e3/667031617f3913965a239cdc_Elon%20University%20Student%20Joshua%20Trubinsky%20Wins%203DPrinterOS%203D%20Design%20Competition.jpg)
We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 3D Design Competition at Elon University: Joshua Trubinsky. His remarkable creation, a 3D-printed prosthetic hand, not only won him the competition but also holds the potential to change lives worldwide. Let's delve into Joshua's inspiring story and the journey behind this groundbreaking model.
Joshua Trubinsky's journey began with a noble vision: to make prosthetic devices more affordable and accessible for those in need. Recognizing the prohibitive costs of professional prosthetics, Joshua aimed to leverage 3D printing technology to create a functional, low-cost bionic hand. His goal was clear: each device would be customizable and provided free of charge to eliminate any financial burden on recipients.
Joshua drew inspiration from the international non-profit organization, Enabling the Future (Enable). Enable is dedicated to creating 3D-printed fingers, hands, and arms for people around the globe, offering these devices at no cost. Joshua joined Enable in 2021, contributing by designing and delivering three prosthetic devices, with two more currently in progress.
His involvement with Enable exposed him to the specific needs of individuals requiring electronically controlled prosthetics. Traditional prosthetics often rely on wrist or elbow movements, which aren't feasible for everyone. Joshua saw the need for a device that could be controlled through electrode muscle sensors, converting electrical signals from the brain into physical movements executed by motors within the prosthetic hand. This innovation would enable recipients to control their prosthetic limb similarly to a natural arm.
Joshua's journey wasn't without obstacles. One major challenge was designing a compact prosthetic hand that could house all necessary electronics, motors, and wires while remaining customizable. Additionally, 3D modeling an organic shape like the human hand was a complex task that pushed Joshua to expand his skills.
Another significant hurdle was the integration and setup of the electronics. With limited experience in sensors, motors, Arduinos, and coding, Joshua faced a steep learning curve. Despite the slow progress, he remained determined, seeking help from more experienced individuals to ensure the successful completion of his project.
Joshua's ultimate goal with this project is to make a positive impact on the world. He aspires to bring joy and improve the quality of life for individuals in need of prosthetic devices. By developing this innovative prosthetic hand, Joshua hopes to provide life-changing assistance to even just one person, reflecting his deep commitment to giving back to the community.
Joshua Trubinsky's dedication, innovation, and compassion are truly commendable. His 3D-printed prosthetic hand is not only a testament to his technical skills but also to his desire to make the world a better place. As we celebrate his victory in the 3D Design Competition, we look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work and the lives he will touch through his incredible invention.
For more details on Joshua's journey and to view the STL file of the prosthetic hand, please visit our website. Join us in congratulating Joshua on his remarkable achievement and stay tuned for more updates on his inspiring projects.
Learn more about 3DPrinterOS - the most trusted 3D printing management software for Higher Education, Enterprises and OEMs. Fill out this form to get in touch with our experts.
Manage the workflow and permissions for your users
Share files and 3D printers to groups of users
Control your 3D printer fleet through a browser
Cloud slicer and toolpath viewer
Book your personalized assessment now and get your free trial.