ExpHand Prosthetics

ExpHand Prosthetics provides life changing upper limb prosthetics that give children their independence back. Our novel 3D printed prosthetics cost 90% less than current competitors product, are provided direct to consumers and can be adjusted to grow with a child. ExpHand Prosthetics fills a gap in the market by designing with children in mind and making use of novel manufacturing methods to produce a prosthetic unlike any other on the market that can give children independence at a critical developmental stage.

There is a global prosthetic crisis due to designing for technological advancement rather than designing to fulfil a need. Every year there are 1 million amputations leading to a total of 30 million people in need of prosthetics across the world. A poll of prosthetics manufacturers showed that only 10,000 prosthetic hands are sold each year meaning there is a huge disparity between the supply and demand of prostheses, particularly in the developing world where only 5% of people have access to prostheses. Additionally, prosthetic use during childhood correlates with ease of prosthetic use in adulthood, meaning that children who are unable to access prosthetics may be unable to learn to use prosthetics in adulthood. Access to prosthetics can directly impact a person's future earnings, mental health and ability to live independently.

The user is at the heart of the ExpHands design as an adjustable, lightweight and customisable prosthetic for children, encouraging them to use their prostheses, increasing self-confidence and independence. Our child friendly prosthesis reduces the worry of breaking an expensive item and the ability to quickly and easily repair or adjust the prosthesis minimises down time and ensures children have continual use of their prosthesis. The adjustability of the ExpHand means that it is able to grow with a child, reducing routine downtime and relearning every 6 - 12 months when a prosthetic would typically become too small and need to be replaced.

ExpHand Prosthetics fills a gap in the market by designing with children in mind and making use of novel manufacturing methods to produce a prosthetic unlike any other on the market that can give children independence at a critical developmental stage.

During this project ExpHand Prosthetics will finalise product development to ensure the ExpHand is ready for manufacture, obtain the necessary certification for sales within the UK and EU and undergo additional user testing to verify product market fit.