Red Cross Elementary student receives 3D-printed prosthetic hand

GLASGOW, Ky. – Red Cross Elementary is sharing how a 3D-printed prosthetic hand can make an impact for fourth-grader Jackson Farmer.

Barren County Schools says the project, named the Jackson 1 Beta Hand, was tested for the first time this week.

The district says for the past year, STEAM Lab Teacher Scott Johnson researched, designed and developed the hand using 3D printing technology.

“This is a first step in our journey, but it is one we are totally pumped about,” Johnson said. “Because we own the files, we can continue to adjust the size, materials and strength so that the hand grows and advances with Jackson.”

According to the district, the design is based on the Phoenix Unlimbited V2 hand, “with guidance and feedback from educators across the globe through the E-Nable community.”

The hand was built from scratch, allowing files to be customized to meet Jackson’s needs.

The district says the hand works without electronics or batteries, instead using Jackson’s wrist movement.

When the wrist is flexed downward, the fingers close into a grip, and when Jackson lifts his wrist upward, the grip widens, officials say.

Over time, school officials say Jackson will gain strength and have more precise control of the prosthetic.

This week, Jackson will begin testing the hand and providing feedback to help improve comfort, usability and durability. As he continues as a student at Red Cross Elementary, the design will be evolved to fit his needs.