new york based industrial designer, chan lee, has devised the ‘ZENOS’ open sourced, 3D printable prosthetic arm. the project has been developed for amputees who require a high-performance prosthesis for sports activities, such as mountain biking and cycling. the innovative design and technology encourages amputees to enjoy an active and adventurous lifestyle without the restriction of traditional prosthetics.
all images courtesy of chan lee
mountain biking and cycling are one of the most popular and challenging outdoor activities for amputees and maintaining an active lifestyle is not only essential for physical health, but also for mental wellbeing. unfortunately, current prosthesis designed for these activities are mostly expensive and difficult to set up. lee has therefore developed ‘ZENOS’ as an open sourced 3D printable prosthetic arm, that users or designers can download anywhere for free. the 3D printable feature offers amputee users a more affordable alternative that is accessible to anyone, enabling outdoor activities such as mountain biking, to be enjoyed without limitations.
the design of ZENOS includes two unique features, an easy-lock and quick-release system and an easily-adjustable shock-absorbing elbow. the easy-lock and quick-release system allows users to connect and disconnect the device from bike handlebars quickly and easily (very important for their safety). the elbow comes with a custom-tuned bike shock which reduces impact on the shoulder. an angle of elbow can be easily adjusted and locked by one hand with quick release clamp. overall, the project by lee results in a carefully considered design, that allows amputees to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
project info:
project name: ‘ZENOS’
design: chan lee
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: lynne myers | designboom
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As an above elbow amputee that is currently cycling with what little there is available for my level of amputation, I think this looks interesting. How durable would it be being from a 3D printer.
It’s interesting how the human psyche often needs to brutalized itself to prove its worth externally. I can picture an amputee becoming a watercolorist …but understand how that may not be as fulfilling internally in the ‘need-to-prove’ dept.
Still, it’s nice to see people working on these mobility issues. The other obvious problem is the cost of these ‘use-specific’, limited range of motion devices leaves people in parts of the world where amputations are more common, again out in the cold; they also cannot afford bicycles.
Jimmy
This looks great, a great advancement in tech. I would just say that even with current prosthetics people can still enjoy lots of sports. My cycle buddy, mountain bikes, road cycles and rides sports bikes, all to a level of performance which is way beyond me, with a very standard prosthetic arm. He has both brakes on the mountain bike mounted on one side of the handlebar, to use with his good arm.