3D printers are a ubiquitous part of society now, in libraries and makerspaces, in private homes and businesses. eNABLE provides a way to utilize 3D printing technology for more than making tchotchkes - an army of volunteers with 3D printers can build inexpensive but very viable and useful prosthetic hands for children!

Laird Popkin, Chief Technology Officer at National Automotive Research Group and a Developer with e-NABLE , a nonprofit that leverages the power of volunteers with 3D printers, to create 3D printed prosthetics for children. Laird shares the story of the e-NABLE community and the “3d Mechanical Hand – Maker Movement” that was inspired by two strangers (a prop maker from the USA and a carpenter from South Africa) who came together to create a prosthetic hand device for a small child in South Africa – and then gave the plans away for free so that others in need would have access. “What originally started out as a couple of guys who created something to help one child in need…has grown into a world wide movement of tinkerers, engineers, 3D print enthusiasts, occupational therapists, university professors, designers, parents, families, artists, students, teachers and people who just want to make a difference.”

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx