New LEGO Prosthetic Allows Kids to Build Their Own Hands

Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar of the Umeå Institute of Design helped create an ingenious prosthetic that can be modified—all that's needed are some LEGO bricks. Called the IKO, the design comes with a four-fingered (non-LEGO) hand prosthetic. What makes it different from other prosthetics is that the person using it can remove the hand and construct whatever he or she desires out of LEGO bricks to replace it, leading to infinite possibilities.

It is designed to help with the psychological aspects of needing a prosthetic, which is something that is often overlooked. In a video promoting the new invention, the designer works with a Colombian boy named Dario. The goal was to make a playful experience for Dario, one that would allow him him to create, explore, and be a typical kid.

It's hoped that the prosthetic will make it easier for kids to interact with other children while breaking down barriers that might stand in the way of confidence. Check out the video below for more:

[h/t Gizmodo]