Sujana Mohd Rejab, 48, started working on the robotic hand two years ago for children with deformed wrists.
To promote further his invention, Sujana teamed-up with the Taiping Community College to embark on the 20 3D Hand Project. The project demonstrates the capabilities of the artificial limb and hopes to help 20 disabled people become more independent.
The 20 3D Hand Project is expected to be completed by September this year when it will then be given to 20 disabled children, including one from Singapore.
“I did not design these robotic hands with profit in mind. Instead I did it to help handicapped people perform their daily routine with ease.
“My aim is to help these special children so that they can go on with life like anybody else, as well as give them confidence when facing the public,” Sujana said.
He admitted that he lacked formal education in electrical and mechanical engineering but obtained the required knowledge for 3D design from ‘Google University.’
Material and equipment to build the robotic hands, estimated to be worth between RM20,000 and RM30,000 respectively were sourced through contributions from electronics factories nationwide including Labuan.
“I am always seeking and encouraging new innovations among students who are interested in pursuing robotic hand invention courses, which will help the community produce new innovations,” said Sujana who hails from Kampung Bukit Jana, Kamunting, Taiping.
He added that funding is the biggest challenge in implementing the 20 3D Hands Project, therefore, financial assistance from companies to help perfect the robotic hand design was most welcomed.
Meanwhile, Taiping Community College director, Civil Defence Associate Major Haslinda Abd Hamid said they had agreed to work with Sujana after talking to him in December 2015.
She said the 20 3D Hand Project was a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project linked to Manufacturing Technology studies offered at the college.
“This collaboration will indirectly help lecturers here improve their skills and share their knowledge in manufacturing technology with Sujana.
“We only help in terms of facilities while material to build the robotic hands are prepared by Sujana,” she said.
Three students from the college have offered themselves for practical training under Sujana’s company and will be directly involved in the project.
Nineteen-year-old Mohamad Airil Asin said he has been keen in the field of manufacturing and engineering since his secondary school days.
“I am excited and nervous to be involved with making a robotic hand for the first time and this will give me a chance to hone my skills.
“My parents also support my decision to do my practical training here because the project I’ll be working on allows me to help those in need,” he added.
– BERNAMA