In 2002, a life-altering accident changed Nicolas Huchet’s life forever. At 18, he was an Industrial Mechanic who had to adapt to living with a myoelectric prosthetic hand, which was far from the sophisticated ones he had seen in movies. After enduring a decade of functional limitations, in 2012, he discovered that the market offered improved prosthetic models, but he could not afford them as the French social security system did not cover the high costs.
By chance, Huchet discovered the ‘maker’ culture at LabFab in Rennes, France, and he began to wonder if it was possible to create his own prosthesis. Today, he proudly showcases his Bionic Hand at various electronics exhibitions. This prosthesis, made with 3D printed parts and open-source hardware, has significantly improved his life.
Myoelectric prostheses work by detecting muscle contraction impulses through electrodes, which are then amplified to generate an electronic signal. This signal reaches a microprocessor, which commands the prosthetic fingers to flex or extend. Huchet describes it as a robotic hand controlled by arm muscles rather than a computer program. The design needed to be adapted for prosthetic purposes, with a focus on controlling the myoelectric sensors.
The current prototype has two sensors that detect the contraction of two muscles and relay this information to an Arduino board, interpreting them as commands to open or close the clamp. This clamp is the hand’s shape used to hold objects like a glass. Huchet’s goal is to enhance mobility to achieve additional functions, such as a lateral grip to make a fist or using only the index finger to point or press buttons. The result aims to mimic advanced prostheses available commercially but at a much lower cost.
Huchet explains that while more sensors and motors typically increase the weight of prostheses, making them less viable, the Bionic Hand is made entirely of 3D printed plastic, making it lighter.
Maud Ankaoua, a judge of the MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 awards in France and founder of MKWA Innovation, recognizes Huchet for his talent, commitment, and ability to communicate his project’s enthusiasm. The Bionic Hand design has been awarded at several exhibitions in Rome, Paris, San Francisco, and New York.
Encouraged by this success, Nicolas Huchet founded My Human Kit, an organization dedicated to expanding the project and collaborating with institutions like Johns Hopkins University in the USA and the Biorobotics Institute in Pisa, Italy. The foundation aims to develop a broader range of open and economical products for people with special needs in the future.
