Free 3D Hands improves global access to quality assistive technology.
While volunteering as a camp leader at AMP CAMP (a camp for youth with limb differences and limb loss) in 2024, Layne Paull received something she wasn’t expecting. It was a disassembled Kinetic Arm, in bright yellow and red- a nod to Layne’s involvement with her local surf-life saving club on the Central Coast in NSW.
The Kinetic Arm was a gift from Mat Bowtell CEO and Founder and Xavier Vella, Mechatronics Engineer, at Free 3D Hands. Mat explains why they gifted Layne the Kinetic Arm.
“We met Layne at AMP CAMP in 2023 and could see her passion for our mission. We stayed in touch and knowing she was coming back to the camp in 2024 we wanted to show her how she could be involved. She enjoyed putting the arm together and I invited her to visit our factory.”
Layne jumped at the opportunity and since 2024 has travelled to Phillip Island twice to volunteer, spending time assembling Kinetic Arms and Kinetic Hands, learning CAD and design skills, assisting the engineering team, and meeting recipients whose lives have been transformed by the devices.
(Image) At the Free 3D Hands design centre, left to right: Michael Coghlan (Biomedical Engineer), Mat Bowtell (Founder and CEO), Layne Paull (Volunteer), and Xavier Vella (Mechatronics Engineer), standing in front of the photo wall of assistive device recipients.
Layne was so inspired by her time at the design centre she purchased her own 3D printer. Drawing on her new knowledge and skills, she began prototyping assistive devices, as well as printing practical items tailored to the needs of people in her community and her clients. Some of these requests have included jar, can, and bottle openers, assistive car door handles, and sensory fidget toys.
Layne has become an unofficial ambassador for Free 3D Hands in her community on the Central Coast of NSW. Raising awareness of 3D printing and affordable assistive devices, Layne is making a difference by demonstrating their use at local volunteering events and sharing the technology with the clients she supports. This includes showcasing her now assembled red and yellow Kinetic Arm.
“When I brought the Kinetic Arm into my local community, people were so enthusiastic and genuinely interested, they wanted to support Free 3D Hands. It was so encouraging and has made me more passionate about accessible technology that improves peoples’ lives.”
Layne’s passion for supporting people with disabilities began at a young age when she was in school and volunteered with Disabled Surfers Central Coast. Layne describes the experience.
(Image) 24-year-old Layne Paull from Avoca volunteers with Free 3D Hands.
"My first experience helping someone with a disability was assisting a woman with bilateral leg amputations to stand on a surfboard. The joy and smile on the woman’s face has stayed with me.
"It was the same sort of profound experience when I first volunteered with young people with limb differences at AMP CAMP in 2023. I noticed a couple of campers who were using the Kinetic Hands and I saw the joy, confidence and independence these devices gave them. I knew I had to be involved."
Layne is currently in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice at the University of Technology Sydney, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She has a strong interest in assistive device innovation and accessible assistive technologies, interests that closely align with the work of Free 3D Hands.
“Volunteering with the Free 3D Hands team has given me so much. I have a stronger sense of purpose in biomedical engineering and it has reinforced my commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The guidance and support from the Free 3D Hands team has boosted my confidence and expanded my aspirations for what I can do in my field.”
Free 3d Hands is a not-for-profit organisation which exists to improve global access to quality assistive technology. By providing Kinetic Arms and Kinetic Hands for free to people all around the world.
Free 3D Hands supports three of the UN’s SDGs; Goal 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 9 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal 10 Reduced Inequalities and Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
To find out more information about Free 3D Hands visit their website
