Statistically, children need a prosthetic replacement every 6-12 months, and adults every 3-5 years. The idea is that adjustments to the prosthetics can be made by the person using them as needed. In developing countries there are several issues that this project could fix, including the lack of trained professionals and reduction of associated costs. Western created prosthetics can be expensive and may not be designed for the rural Indonesian way of life.
Fablab Yogyakarta has also been involved in creating a handi-capable tricycle, called Special Trike 1.0 that is electric powered, eliminating pedals from the design altogether. The tricycle’s design will look familiar from those of our childhood but this time with an ignition key under the seat and a rear wheel that is connected to a battery.
There are a multitude of wonderful ‘fruits’ or projects that have been well documented on FabLab Yogyakarta’s site, including a joy division laser-etched chair, vinyl tetris shelves, lasercut satin patterns, and different items of vertebrae furniture. It’s great to see a FabLab cataloguing their projects so well and sharing ideas.