Students in a high school multi-media design class built prosthetic fingers that are configured together to make an artificial hand by using a 3D printer.
Students downloaded the necessary code and printed the components for each child-sized prosthetic “Robohand” on an Airwolf 3D printer.
South Coast ROP suggested the Robohand project to Laguna Beach High School teacher Scott Wittkop. It takes about two hours for students to print one hand. To date, the class has printed seven hands in a rainbow of colors. They plan to print four more by June.
Students appreciated participating in a class project that would make a difference in the lives of children. “They are able to work with ground-breaking technology and directly see how it can impact the world,” Wittkop said
“It’s pretty inconceivable to me that our students can actually obtain programming instructions from a world-wide initiative, such as Robohand, and actually fabricate most or all of the parts to make a functioning prosthetic hand for amputees,” said Principal Chris Herzfeld, adding that the project teaches global citizenship through collaboration and technology.
“ROP staff has been working with the district and our electives teachers to develop pathways that strengthen our students’ readiness for college and career,” said Asst. Supt. of Instructional Services Darlene Messinger.
