# Superhero-Inspired Robotic Hands These 3D-Printed Prosthetics Lend New Abilities to Amputees By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-08-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hands References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2015/08/25/robotic-hand-dyson-award/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [jamesdysonaward.org](http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/projects/open-bionics/) Joel Gibbard recently won the James Dyson Award for his superhero-inspired robotic hands. While there are a number of options available for amputees, these [prosthetic devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-nimble) can be extremely costly. Gibbard wanted to design a new set of prosthetics that would cost substantially less to produce. Gibbard designed a pair of low-cost robotic hands that are inspired by the comic books he read as a child. He produced the futuristic set of hands by using a high-tech 3D printer. This particular production method not only means a lower cost for consumer, but also a shorter wait time. As Gibbard explains, "by using 3D scanning and [3D printing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jigglets) we can radically reduce this waiting time." Thus far, Gibbard has helped design 10 pairs of the robotic hands and already has orders to produce several more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3d-printed Prosthetics:** The use of 3D printing technology in creating prosthetic devices is a disruptive innovation opportunity. - **Low-cost Robotic Hands:** Developing affordable robotic hands for amputees presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the prosthetics industry. - **Inspiration From Superheroes:** Drawing inspiration from superheroes can lead to innovative designs in the field of prosthetics. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can leverage 3D printing technology to create more accessible and affordable prosthetic solutions. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry has the opportunity to adopt 3D printing techniques for faster and cost-effective production of robotic hands. - **Design:** The design industry can explore the integration of superhero-inspired elements in prosthetic devices, creating unique and imaginative solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Smart Bionic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-bionic-hand.md) - [Robotic Hand Assistance Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioservo-carbonhand.md) - [AI-Powered Prosthetic Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Mind-Controlled Artificial Arms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-prosthetic-arm.md) - [Enhanced Thumb Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/third-thumb.md) - [Reversible Robotic Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reversible-robotic-hand.md) - [Lightweight Robotic Hand Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-hand1.md) - [Wearable Robotic Limb Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jizai-arms.md) - [Dexterous Robotics Hands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharpawave.md)