What began as a simple idea to create a 3D-printed hand has blossomed into a significant passion project for 13-year-old Lois Agnello and her classmates at The Nature School in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. Born with only part of her left hand, Lois approached her science and technology teacher with a request to use the school’s 3D printer to craft a prosthetic hand.
“Being born without a hand doesn’t really stop me,” Lois said. “I wanted to create my own hand with my friends so I could show them what it’s like.”
Lois had been using a prosthetic hand since she was eight, but the opportunity to design and build her own was a thrilling prospect. Her teacher, Lloyd Godson, noted the students’ enthusiasm when Lois shared a video about her hand, sparking a collaborative project that would soon capture international attention.
From Concept to Creation
The group utilized an open-source design from the Australia-based charity Free 3D Hands. Over three months, they dedicated their lunchtimes to meetings and experiments with various materials before successfully printing and assembling their first 3D-printed hand.
“We were all super excited about it,” Mr. Godson said. “It was a big learning curve — most of them had never used a 3D printer before.”
“I was like, ‘Oh my god this is crazy,'” Lois exclaimed. “Like, I didn’t even know if it would work.”
The initial prototype, although basic, was functional, allowing Lois to pick up objects and move them using upper-arm activity to trigger the hand.
Refining the Design
Following the success of their first model, the students continued to work with Free 3D Hands to refine their design, producing three more advanced versions. The focus shifted to enhancing the hand’s comfort and usability.
Free 3D Hands founder Mat Bowtell and his team have been instrumental in guiding the students through the design process. “They were very enthusiastic in being a part of the brainstorming process in regard to what we might be able to improve in the next design,” Bowtell noted.
Student Wren McDowell expressed her satisfaction with the project, saying, “It makes me feel pretty good, because we are designing loads of different styles.”
Joel Banwell, another student involved, shared his excitement about the project’s impact. “I felt fairly good that Lois was able to get a hand that worked and it made me want to make one that was even better,” he said.
On the Global Stage
The project’s success has led to its selection to represent Australia at the Be the Change Summit in Japan. This summit is part of a global initiative that encourages young leaders to present projects addressing global challenges, including climate change, mental health, and inequality.
Mr. Godson expressed his pride in Lois, who will share her story with thousands of young innovators in Tokyo. “To see her talking about her limb difference and how Mr. Bowtell’s work had helped her and others would be incredible,” he said.
“Other kids will be like, ‘Woah, that’s cool — like, can I try that?'” Lois hopes, as she looks forward to inspiring others around the world.
Implications and Future Prospects
This project not only highlights the potential of 3D printing technology in creating affordable prosthetics but also underscores the power of collaboration and innovation among young students. As Lois and her peers continue to refine their designs, they set a precedent for how technology can be harnessed to improve lives.
Their journey serves as an inspiring example for students worldwide, demonstrating that age is no barrier to innovation. With ongoing support from organizations like Free 3D Hands, the future looks promising for Lois and her team as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in prosthetic design.
