In 2015, a video of Robert Downey, Jr. as Iron Man drew great popularity on YouTube. This video was not advertising any “Iron Man” or “Avengers” movie, rather it was to deliver a prosthetic hand to a child born with a partially-developed right arm. Downey, Jr. teamed up with college student Albert Manero, who used a 3D printer to develop a prosthetic device that was designed like an Iron Man gauntlet.

Not only was this video a display of the generosity of the Marvel actor, but also the capability of Enabling the Future, the organization Downey, Jr. worked with to make this happen. Enabling the Future is dedicated to delivering low-cost prosthetic devices to children in need around the world.

Peter Larsen, long time member of eNABLE Lowell, a chapter of the larger organization, can attest to the capabilities of 3D printers in regards to prosthetic devices. “I’ve heard of others where they make Iron Man-themed ones where they make little LED palm lasers at the bottoms of the hand,” said Larsen. “I’ve seen Hulk versions, Captain America versions, so we can really customize these for the children and make it fun and interact with them.”

These custom designed prosthetic devices fill a void in the market for families in need that cannot afford traditional prosthetic services. According to Larsen, the average child with a limb difference will require 10 new prosthetic devices by the age of 20.

“If each of those costs, say, $10,000, there is a huge financial burden,” said Larsen. “We can make these devices for less than $40 and then give them away for free to the children. So we are offering a low cost alternative to children at a time when they really need the device.”

While offering their services at a much lower cost, eNABLE isn’t planning on competing with the traditional prosthetic market. More modern devices can include robotics and much more advanced features that eNABLE’s devices do not have. The 3D printer models, according to Larsen, are considered a “step up from a toy” in comparison to contemporary prosthetic devices. eNABLE’s devices are strapped on with Velcro, as opposed to the customized socket in other prosthetic devices.

These more primitive devices help get amputees accustomed to the idea of a prosthetic device. Due to the high cost, some amputees will learn to cope with their missing limb and continue life as such to avoid paying for a modern device.

“Our hope is that, by using our devices like a stepping stone, these children can get used to the idea of using a prosthetic, and we can get them through their growth phase,” said Larsen. “Once they’ve grown fully, they can get something better.”

The customizations of these devices do have other benefits that tradition prosthetic devices do not have, particularly psychological benefits. Many children with limb differences not only endure the physical hardships of living without a limb, but also the social consequences of looking different than the average child. Since eNABLE customizes their devices to the child, now instead of a missing limb, they have a Hulk hand, or an Iron Man gauntlet.

“A really underappreciated side of this is the psychological impact of having this new cool device to show off, and it turns their limb difference, something that they may try to hide or be nervous about, to something that they actually try and show to their friends,” said Larsen.

eNABLE Lowell also has a very diverse group of workers on their team. Larsen, being a Biotech major himself, refers to the organization as being tailored to STEM+, STEM being an acronym form Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. All of those backgrounds would be well suited to conduct such work, but eNABLE Lowell is also looking for people who excel in backgrounds such as communications to help promote them. As an on-campus organization, they are truly open to any student joining regardless of major.

“You don’t have to be an engineer, you don’t have to know anything about 3D printing, you don’t have to know anything about prosthetics, but if you are curious, we invite anyone to come,” said Larsen. “We keep saying in our group, the only prerequisites to joining are interest and a healthy dose of empathy.”