Born with an underdeveloped arm, he built a LEGO prosthetic at 18 to help another boy

Image: Guinness World Records David Aguilar, an inventor from Andorra known as “Hand Solo”, turned his childhood fascination with LEGO bricks into a working prosthetic arm after growing up with an underdeveloped right forearm. Born with Poland syndrome, a congenital condition that affected the development of his right arm and pectoral muscle, Aguilar recalled facing insensitive comments from other children. He began experimenting with LEGO prosthetics at the age of nine, although his first attempt was too heavy to work properly. In 2017, aged 18, he built a functional mechanical arm using pieces from a LEGO Technic helicopter set. His invention later helped another child, eight-year-old Beknur Zhanibekuly, who was born with both arms underdeveloped.From hurtful comments to a working LEGO prostheticAguilar’s interest in building things began when he was young. LEGO became a way for him to explore possibilities and work towards a practical solution for his limb difference. At nine, he attempted to build an arm using the construction bricks, but the design was too heavy and did not function properly. Rather than abandon the idea, he continued experimenting as he grew older.Nine years ...