Nodus

An anatomically precise prosthetic interface bridging 3D scan data and robotic integration to provide accessible mobility for upper-limb amputees.
Year: 2025
Type: Medical Device Design / Prosthetic Interface
Application: Upper-Limb Prosthetics (Adult & Pediatric)
Role: 3D Modeling (from 3D scan data), Additive Manufacturing Strategy
Tools: Rhino 3D, 3D Printing
Status: Prototype
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Context
In 2025, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sangho Yi, CEO of Mand.ro, a company dedicated to making high-tech robotic hands affordable and accessible. Following their philosophy that "money should never be a barrier to mobility," I participated in the development of the most critical component of a prosthetic: the socket.

The Challenge
The prosthetic socket is the primary mechanical interface between the human body and the robotic limb. Every residual limb is unique, requiring extreme anatomical accuracy. A poorly fitted socket leads to tissue irritation, discomfort, and loss of control. The challenge was to translate raw 3D scan data into a perfectly fitted, comfortable, and functional digital model ready for additive manufacturing.

The Solution & Impact
Using Rhino 3D, I executed the digital modeling phase for two distinct users: an adult female and a 12-year-old child. By precisely manipulating 3D scan data, I designed custom sockets that ensure optimal pressure distribution and stability.
The 3D printed sockets serve as the foundation for Mand.ro’s specialized coating — a soft, elastic, and heat-resistant layer that minimizes friction. My contribution to this data-driven pipeline proved that architectural modeling skills can be directly pivoted to improve lives and restore confidence, providing users with a secure and stable connection to their assistive technology.
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.