Affordable, custom 3D-printed prostheses for underserved rural areas

Humanos 3D in Colombia supports 400+ prosthetic users via mobile clinics and open-source technology. Its 3D printing solutions reach rural areas, promoting affordable accessibility.

Humanos 3D, a Colombian NGO, provides affordable 3D-printed prosthetics for people with upper limb disabilities. Launched in 2020, its Mobile Clinics project brings these solutions to rural areas. Since 2017 it has supported over 400 people across 32 municipalities, using open-source technology and offering supplies, training, and support services.

Problems Targeted

Colombia, heavily affected by landmines, struggles with limited access to prosthetics in rural areas, making timely assistance often impossible.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Humanos 3D, based in Medellín, designs affordable, lightweight, functional assistive devices for upper limb disabilities using 3D printing and tailored designs. Customization includes individually printed finger joints; and beneficiaries are involved in the design, manufacturing, and assembly process, providing feedback and helping test devices. Production is efficient, taking up to just one month, with continuous support for fit and usability. In 2020, Mobile Clinics were introduced to reach rural areas with limited access to prosthetics. These one-day events deliver equipment and hold workshops to familiarize beneficiaries with customized solutions, organized with local governments such as mayors’ and governors’ offices. The process starts with an initial psychosocial assessment, followed by measurements for customization. The team then designs and produces the devices before returning to deliver and fit them. Partnerships with local governments ensure resources for logistics and transport, while costs are covered by grants, crowdfunding, and partners such as UNDP, Fundación Smurfit Kappa, and the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering. By end of 2024, Humanos 3D has served more than 32 municipalities in Colombia, increasing production from 100 to 150 devices annually.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Mobile Clinics project was initially co-funded by Fundación ONE Inversión Social, its primary and now strategic partner. Additional revenue is generated through 3D printing services, courses, and sales. To decrease reliance on donations, Mobile Clinics has developed a commercial line that offers 3D printing supplies and services. Its educational programmes not only provide funding but also raise social awareness. Mobile Clinics has also established partnerships with educational institutions in Peru, aimed at scaling and internationalizing the project across Latin America. (Zero Project Awardee 2025)

Pictures

Humanos 3D is bringing affordable 3D-printed upper limb prosthetics to rural Colombia.

Humanos 3D is bringing affordable 3D-printed upper limb prosthetics to rural Colombia.

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