A World Health Organization's (WHO) Report in 2017 revealed that only one in ten people globally had access to assistive technologies. In response, an open-source community has thrived, particularly in 3D-printed prosthetics, exemplified by e-NABLE.org. This platform connects patients with 3D printers, offering files and instructions on thingiverse.com; however, quantitative assessment data on these devices remains scarce. Frequently, these devices prove uncomfortable, unwieldy, or fail to meet functional expectations. The primary recipients of such devices are children with missing digits from congenital hand deformities or accidents.

The prototype of the low-cost finger prosthetic device, driven by a Bowden cable, which can be easily fabricated via 3D printing.

This research, which commenced in 2017, was conducted by Dr. Kelvin Loutan Jr., Senior Instructor, Aviation, UTT, in partnership with Dr. Umesh Persad, former Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship Unit, UTT, who is currently affiliated with The University of Florida. The primary aim is to create a prosthetic device for the designated patient using a residual finger stump's power. Following numerous design iterations, the prototype underwent testing in January 2023, receiving positive feedback from the amputee on its functionality. Although extended usage was not feasible during the trial, this marked a groundbreaking achievement-it stands as the world's inaugural Bowden cable-driven prosthetic finger, featuring simultaneous movement across all joints.

The presentation of the design and results took place at the August 2023 American Society of Mechanical Engineers' conference on Design, Simulation, and Optimisation for Additive Manufacturing, in Boston. Ongoing research aims to enhance the design's versatility, making it entirely customisable and open-source. This allows individuals to freely download, print, test, and contribute to further improvements.