Teen A-I Designer Making a Huge Impact

Technology plays an important role in our everyday lives, and this pandemic has proven this to all of us. We have gone from flying to business meetings to having them in the comfort of our homes. This period has really opened the eyes of many to what can be accomplished if we harness the power of A-I (Artificial Intelligence) technology and truly tap in to our digital creativity.

Prosthetic limbs have been used across the globe to change the lives of individuals who have lost limbs

Over the past several years the medical field has used computers in Computer Assisted Surgery to aid surgeons in the operating theatres. Robotic surgery and research has come a long way. Robotic limbs have been used across the globe to change the lives of thousands of individuals – whether they be children born with disabilities, amputees due to disease or soldiers injured in wars. High-quality limbs are being designed, but unfortunately these often come with a high price tag.

Being an amputee can make life difficult as each part of our body has an important task to perform. When someone loses a limb it causes a lot of stress for the amputee as their lives have to undergo enormous adjustedments. Even those around them have an important part to play assisting them make this transition a little easier.

The first 3D printer was the brainchild of Charles W. Hull and was invented in 1980. It used the stereolithographic technique which converts liquid plastic into solid objects. For the past 40 years research has continued in this remarkable field of technology.

It will assist them in their quest for independence

In the midst of this research comes 19-year-old Farida Cajee, a Matric student who’s using her passion and love for technology to change people’s lives. This bright-eyed teenager has invented something that is going to change a lot of people’s lives, including the lives of families and friends of those who have lost a limb. It will assist them in their quest for independence, something most amputees find one of the most difficult adjustments.

This young lady’s invention is going to make the lives of these brave people much easier

The smallest tasks become a mission when performed by someone who is an amputee. It can cause a lot of stress for the person who has to adjust to this new life and this young lady’s invention is going to make the lives of these brave people much easier. Simple activities that we take for granted, like picking up a bottle of water, can be a daunting task for someone who has lost their hand.

At a time most young girls her age are excited about the latest smart phones and the most fashionable outfit, Farida is busy with her research and, in the process, winning awards and flying our country’s flag high as she represents South Africa around the world.

She wanted to create a more affordable prosthetic hand

Currently making waves in the Science and Inventions sector, Farida says her interest in this field began in Grade 5 when she entered the Eskom Expo for young scientists. Her passion for invention took her on a path that she is very passionate about – 3D printing of prosthetic limbs. She wanted to create a more affordable prosthetic hand to help amputees with an affordable, and yet practical, brain-controlled hand which would also be non-invasive. The prosthetic hand she has invented will only cost R9000 compared to an average cost of R140 000. By using recycled plastic, Farida’s invention also contributes to caring for the environment by keeping more plastic from polluting our land and waterways.

Farida’s amazing invention has taken the world by storm and she was also invited to represent South Africa at the Taiwan International Science Fair. Here she won 2nd place in the world under the ‘Engineering’ category. This was just one of the many awards she has won.

Her dream is to study further next year and follow her passion in Science, and she is working hard to earn a Bursary.

This young lady has a bright future ahead of her! We are confident that South Africa will produce one of the most brilliant scientist in the country who has the potential to change a lot of lives. #ImStaying congratulates you, Farida, and wishes you every success in the days ahead.

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