Necessity is the mother of invention. And what David Sengeh had created is absolute necessity with great vision. This is a good lesson to the product designers across the world on how to design something for practical purpose. Kudos to this Sierra Leone kid. Highly recommended for all.
I remember Hugh Herr's Ted talk that mentioned the use of multi material 3D printed sockets. It's cool to know that David was a pioneer on that. I also studies Mechatronics Engineering but sadly wasn't able to finish the program. I was always interested in prosthetics. This seems like such a fascinating field that has a measurable impact on peoples lives.
Interesting realization, when watching Hugh Herr's TED video on bionics, I saw the sockets on both of his bionic legs were visually similar to the ones Mr. Sengeh presented. Wouldn't be surprised if his legs were outfitted with some of Mr. Sengeh's sockets.
he speaks the truth. I'm an above knee amputee, I was obese but now I have lose weight, my stump is very soft, and very flabby. I'm having trouble in fitting a socket. and it frustrate me. I want to walk again, but the pain is hesitating me from wearing the prosthetic.
How does one get that this fitting done? I am in Massachusetts and can’t seem to get a good fitting for my legs. Both my legs are amputated below the knee
So inspiring. Those people are courageous, smart, willing and very resourceful. If I was rich I would move around developing countries and start maker shops every where. Ahhh dreams...
I wish that TED lectures had subtitles, Google subtitles aren't that good. I'm not able to understand everything, reading and listening should be much better.
Ironically God, apparently, is the one who causes the disasters in the first place. God seems to be quite inefficient at advancing the human species, with the natural disasters and all.
If there was a God he would heal amputees! Making a new leg couldn't be as difficult as making a Universe! God only heals when you can not see the healing! Keep you God delusion to yourself, people who can think intelligently find you disgusting!
Nice presentation. But the only new thing presented here was the use of MRI images for socket fitting. MRI is still quite expensive, and I doubt any better, at least for this application, than the current method using 3D laser scanners. 3D laser scanning is far cheaper, it's easier to use, and portable. It has been used for making comfortable, form fitting sockets for more than 10 years now.
He gave a talk on NPR. The key issue is to detect where soft and hard materials are being positioned. That is the innovation, and they probably need an MRI scan to detect that.
