Need a hand?

At only 18, Damian Manning-Hensler has set out to change the world by creating a prosthetic limb. Taking advantage of the equipment in the school, Manning-Hensler has successfully created two prototype prosthetic limbs, and has been working out the kinks to create a final model in Drafting Tech.

Manning-Hensler’s first two prosthetic limb prototypes were just hands. He ran into a few problems, but powered through and will be creating the entire prosthetic forearm in the upcoming months. He will be showing the finished project on June 1st at FAME Night.

The project itself has shown the true and vibrant nature of Manning-Hensler. He says he wants to patent his prosthetic limb but he’s “...not going to be like the AIDS guy, I’m not a jerk. I’d make a bit of profit off of it, but only to enhance and make the limb better.” Truly, a man with a great heart.

The product isn’t made for anyone in particular, but instead, for anyone who needs it. Manning-Hensler has worked tirelessly to create a product that can be utilized universally and will continuously attempt to increase the productivity and effectiveness for all users.

Manning-Hensler has used program Rhino 4.0 and 5.0 to make the physical hand itself. “The program used ARDUINO, which uses C++, which is the actual language. ARDUINO is the program I type things into and C++ is the language I use. C++ is like programing code,” Manning-Henseler explained for those not familiar with prosthetic limb manufacturing.

All of Manning-Hensler’s work has been possible due to the expansive and up-to-date equipment Century High School has to offer. Manning-Hensler is the shining example of Century nurturing young minds with big goals. “I appreciate Century for having the facilities to help develop my project.” He continues, “when I was in Elementary school I wanted to make an artificial hand to some extent. And I’ve never had the facility, technology, or money to do it until now. So I really appreciate the school.”

To the juniors next year taking on ambitious projects Manning-Hensler advises, “develop a general idea and get the basic set up before you start.” He also emphasizes, “use your class time or take an hour out of your day, especially if you have a complex project.” Working hard doesn’t have to be painful, as Manning-Hensler has shown. A little blood, sweat, and sleep deprivation only hurts you if it goes unchecked.