3D Printing
News Videos Newsletter Contact us
Home / News / Bolivian Engineer Changes Lives with 3D Printed Prosthetics
qidi

Bolivian Engineer Changes Lives with 3D Printed Prosthetics

January 18, 2024

As a child in poverty, Roly Mamani crafted toys; now, as a 34-year-old engineer, he pioneers a life-changing initiative, 3D printing limbs for Indigenous Bolivians scarred by accidents. Funding this cause through his passion for crafting robotic toys, Mamani’s journey began with a childhood filled with makeshift play cars.

Bolivian Engineer Changes Lives with 3D Printed Prosthetics
Marco Antonio Nina with his 3D printed arm. (Image Credit: AFP)

His small-scale workshop, nestled in Achocalla, not only produces educational aids and robotic toys but also serves as the birthplace of over 400 3D printed prostheses since 2018. Mamani’s altruistic endeavor aims to enhance people’s quality of life, providing hope to those in need.

In a country where public health doesn’t cover prosthetics, Mamani’s innovative approach bridges the gap, offering affordable solutions to individuals with physical and mobility challenges. His prostheses, delivered either free or at production cost, have become a beacon of hope for those facing precarious job-related accidents.

The impact is profound, as beneficiaries like Pablo Matha and Marco Antonio Nina testify to the transformative effect of Mamani’s creations. Beyond restoring physical abilities, these prosthetics contribute to reclaiming dignity and self-respect.

Mamani envisions going beyond individual initiatives, aspiring to establish a rehabilitation center using the recognition garnered, including a prestigious US robotics scholarship. His commitment to generate his own technology reflects a relentless pursuit of improvement.

The recognition and accolades he has earned position him to catalyze further advancements and establish a rehabilitation center, marking a promising future for the industry and the lives it touches.

Come and let us know your thoughts on our Facebook, X, and LinkedIn pages, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly additive manufacturing newsletter to get all the latest stories delivered right to your inbox.

Share:
WhatsApp Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Buffer Reddit E-mail
About the author | Phillip Keane
Phillip is an aerospace engineer from UK. He is a graduate of Coventry University (UK), International Space University (France) and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), where he studied Advanced Manufacturing at the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing.
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Social

  • Facebook Facebook 3D Printing
  • Linkedin Linkedin 3D Printing
Join our newsletter

Our newsletter is free & you can unsubscribe any time.

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Fashion
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Snapmaker Artisan Premium 3-in-1

    • - Print size: 400 x 400 x 400 mm
    • - comes with enclosure
    More details »
    $2,999.00 Snapmaker
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech X-Max 3

    • - Print size: 325 x 325 x 315 mm
    • - fully enclosed
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Plus4

    • - Print size: 305 x 305 x 280 mm
    • - print temperature of 370°C
    More details »
    $799.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now
  • QIDI Tech Q1 Pro

    • - Print size: 245 x 245 x 245 mm
    • - 600mm/s max speed
    More details »
    $449.00 QIDI Store
    Buy Now

Company Information

  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing

Blog

  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal

Featured Reviews

  • Anycubic Photon Mono M5s
  • Creality Ender 5 S1
  • The Mole 3D Scanner
  • Flashforge Creator 3 Pro

Featured Industries

  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
2025 — Strikwerda en Dehue
  • Home
  • Join our mailing list
  • Contact us
Blog
  • Latest News
  • Use Cases
  • Reviews
  • 3D Printers
  • 3D Printing Metal
Featured Industries
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Environmental
  • Electronics
  • Medical
  • Military
  • Fashion
  • Art
Company Information
  • What is 3D Printing?
  • Contact us
  • Join our mailing list
  • Advertise with us
  • Media Kit
  • Nederland 3D Printing