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Nodus
Year: 2025
Type: Medical Device Design / Prosthetic Interface
Application: Upper-Limb Prosthetics
Users: Adult & Pediatric
Role: 3D modeling from 3D scan data
Tools: Rhino 3D, 3D Printing
Status: Prototype
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan



In September 2025, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sangho Yi, CEO and Founder of Mand. ro, a company dedicated to developing robotic hands for people with upper-limb amputations. Mand. ro’s philosophy is centered on accessibility and inclusivity. As Mr. Sangho Yi states: "There shouldn’t be anyone who cannot afford a prosthetic limb because of money." Beyond affordability, the company focuses on increasing prosthetic adaptability to support a wide range of everyday tasks and user needs.
Workflow & Process
Mand.ro follows a structured, data-driven development pipeline:
customer consultation → 3D scanning of the residual limb → digital modeling → additive manufacturing → assembly → testing → fitting and user training. I had the opportunity to observe the entire process firsthand and to actively contribute during the digital modeling and fabrication stage. Using Rhino 3D, I designed and 3D-printed two custom prosthetic sockets — one for an adult female user and one for a 12-year-old pediatric user.

Prosthetic Socket — Design Importance
The prosthetic socket functions as the primary mechanical and biomechanical interface between the residual limb and the prosthetic system. A properly engineered socket is critical for minimizing pressure points, reducing tissue irritation, and enabling stable, precise, and consistent prosthetic control.

Scope of Contribution
My participation focused on the socket modeling stage based on 3D scan data, where anatomical accuracy and fit are essential. In the subsequent production phase, Mr. Sangho Yi applies a coating to the printed socket using a soft, elastic, waterproof, and heat-resistant material. This layer enhances pressure distribution, reduces friction, and improves long-term comfort during prolonged use.

After precise socket fitting, an arm prosthesis is installed at the distal interface. In the case of the adult female user, she was provided with an externally powered (myoelectric) prosthetic hand. Myoelectric prostheses are controlled through electrical signals generated by residual muscles in the limb. These signals are detected by sensors and translated into commands that enable precise and intuitive control of the robotic hand. The final product is finished with a custom silicone glove.
In the case of the pediatric user, due to his young age and slender physique, a cosmetic hand prosthesis was selected instead of a robotic hand. This type of prosthesis serves a purely aesthetic function, allowing individuals with limb loss to regain visual body symmetry and a more natural appearance. To achieve a realistic result, the final prosthesis is also finished with a custom silicone glove, color-matched to the wearer’s skin tone, providing a lifelike surface texture and visual continuity.