Innovator Provides Free 3D-Printed Prosthetic Hands to Those in Need

When Phillip Island based engineer , Mat Bowtell, a former Toyota engineer, was laid off in 2017, he made an unexpected career shift—he dedicated himself to designing and distributing free 3D-printed prosthetic hands for children and adults worldwide. Through his charity, Free 3D Hands, Bowtell has transformed lives by making assistive devices accessible to those who could never afford traditional prosthetics, which can cost up to $20,000.

“Our fundamental belief is that no one born with a limb difference should have to pay for something that brings them joy and independence,” Bowtell says.

Bowtell’s journey began during a university exchange in Japan, where he tested a $1 million bionic arm. While impressed by the technology, he was disheartened by its inaccessibility. Years later, after his redundancy from Toyota, he revisited this passion, starting small with a single 3D-printed hand for a boy in Newcastle.

“Seeing his smile changed everything,” Bowtell recalls. “It became an addiction—I wanted to help as many people as possible.”

With his redundancy payout, he and his wife committed to building Free 3D Hands full-time. The charity, now officially registered, has since distributed thousands of devices globally.

Phillip Island’s tight-knit community played a crucial role in the charity’s growth. After leasing a factory, locals rallied behind the cause—donating funds, volunteering, and even helping install solar panels to ensure uninterrupted production.

“We wouldn’t have survived without this community,” Bowtell admits. “The RSL organized fundraisers, Gippsland Solar donated panels, and people who lost jobs during COVID-19 stepped in to help.”

When the pandemic hit, Free 3D Hands pivoted to produce face shields, employing locals who had been stood down from tourism-related jobs.

“It was incredibly rewarding—chefs ran 3D printers, night-shift workers came in, everyone wanted to contribute,” Bowtell says.

The Kinetic Hand: A Breakthrough in Affordable Prosthetics

After three years of development, Bowtell’s team unveiled the Kinetic Hand, an open-source prosthetic designed for people with congenital hand differences. Released under a Creative Commons license, the design encourages global innovation while remaining free for non-commercial use.

Key Innovations:

• Silent Operation – Flexible hinges prevent rigid part contact, ensuring quiet use.
• Moulded Silicone Grips – Improves object handling without costly add-ons.
• Dual Tendons & Adjustable Tensioners – Simplifies assembly and customization.
• Durable, Scalable Design – Works at 50-100% scale, tested for strength and flexibility.
• No Printing Supports Needed – Reduces production time and complexity.

Important Note: The Kinetic Hand is experimental, not a certified medical device. Users must consult healthcare professionals before use and avoid dangerous tasks.

Bowtell’s efforts earned him the 2020 Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation Award. Yet, for him, the real reward is the difference his work makes.

“Our goal is to create better, more accessible solutions,” he says. “The support from awards and donors has made this possible.”

With a growing global reach and a commitment to open-source innovation, Free 3D Hands continues to bridge the gap in prosthetic accessibility—one 3D-printed hand at a time.

How to Help:

• Donate to support production.
• Volunteer technical or community skills.
• Share the open-source designs to spur further innovation.

For more information, visit free3Dhands.org