Award For Lego Prosthetic

A prosthetic arm that can be used to design Lego accessories has won the Grand Prix award at digital technology summit Netexplo in Paris.

17:44 12 February 2016

The IKO Creative Prosthetic System, a prosthetic arm that allows children to design their own Lego accessories, has won the Grand Prix award at digital technology summit Netexplo in Paris.

 

The system features Lego attachments including a remote-control digger, fit on to the battery-powered arm and 3D-printed socket.

 

Its creator, Carlos Arturo Torres, hopes to attract investors for the further development of its award-winning system.

 

The former intern at Lego's Future Lab research department said: "I'm super happy with it.

 

"I wasn't expecting the Grand Prix.

 

"As a Colombian, you grow up with the arms conflict and we are so aware of people losing limbs or having difficulties because of war."

 

He estimates the prosthetic will sell for £3,500 with a fee of $1000 for each 3D-printed sockets, bought as the wearer grows out of the old ones.

 

Jo Dixon, the national co-ordinator at Children's charity Reach, said: "The popularity of the new, simple 3D versions, including a build-your-own Lego kit, with their robotic appearance and bespoke colours means that they can help to increase self-confidence.”

 

"[This can] help with the acceptance of difference rather than being a functional replacement hand."