Transforming the lives of people with disabilities using open-source technology
After losing his hand at the age of 18, Nicolas Huchet soon discovered that quality prostheses were prohibitively expensive. But in 2012, while visiting his local fab lab, Nicholas saw the potential of open-source technology to improve the lives of amputees around the world. With the help of volunteers, some open-source plans and access to the fab lab’s 3D printer, Nicolas developed his first robotic hand.
Soon after, he founded My Human Kit, an association that aims to make powerful prostheses available to people around the world through 3D printing. “We needed funds, and we heard about a Google competition that allows associations to receive financial, human and technical support,” says Nicolas. In 2015, My Human Kit reached the final ten of the Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities in France, which provided Nicolas with funding to take his idea to the next level. “With our Google Grant, we started to think big,” he says. “There are now four of us working full time, and we innovate in every sense of the word, such as a wheelchair that turns into a scooter, or even another hand for playing music.” Nicolas has always dreamed of being a drummer, and with the power of open-source technology and the support of Google, he is closer to making this dream a reality. What’s more, he’s providing other people worldwide with the necessary tools so they too can realise their dreams.
With our Google Grant, we started to think big. There are now four of us working full time, and we innovate in every sense of the word.