Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Teens Invent Brain-Controlled Prosthetic Leg for Friend

In the corridors of a Texan high school, three young minds — Samuel Skotnikov, Changyoung Kim, and Eeshaan Prashanth — listened closely to their friend Aiden’s struggles with his prosthetic leg. Driven not by accolades but by empathy, they delved into the realm of prosthetics, crafting the NeuroFlex — a brain-controlled, low-cost bionic leg that seamlessly translates Aiden’s intent into motion through EEG technology. “It started around helping our friend,” explained Skotnikov. Their creation not only eased Aiden’s burden but also challenged the status quo of an expensive and cumbersome industry. Priced at around $1,000, their innovation starkly contrasts with traditional prosthetics designs that can cost up to $100,000. Winning the $50,000 first prize in a science fair that hosted 1,600 students from 60 countries was a nod to their brilliance; yet, the teens’ broader aim echoes the timeless truth of how innovation is born from the desire to help others, not just the pursuit of achievement. As Skotnikov aptly put it, “Do it for someone that you actually, genuinely want to help.”

Be The Change

Alchemize a setback or challenge into an opportunity to innovate.