Luiz Inacio de Almeida

Brazilian engineer who developed low-cost prosthetics for landmine victims

Luiz Inacio de Almeida (1965-2019) was a Brazilian mechanical engineer whose affordable prosthetic limbs brought mobility to thousands of landmine victims globally. His breakthrough came in 1998 when he created the 'Almeida Prosthesis' using locally sourced materials like bamboo and recycled plastics. This design reduced production costs from $10,000 to $150 while maintaining durability. De Almeida's NGO, Legs for Life, has distributed over 50,000 prosthetics in 23 countries. His modular design allowed for easy customization without requiring specialized technicians. The prosthetics' unique locking mechanism was patented in 2002 and later adopted by the International Committee of the Red Cross. His work in Cambodia reduced amputee unemployment rates by 65% through vocational training programs. De Almeida collaborated with MIT's D-Lab to create a 3D-printable version in 2010, enabling local production in conflict zones. His memoir 《Walking Through Landmines》 details his journey from a rural mechanic to global innovator. He received the Right Livelihood Award in 2005 and inspired similar projects in Angola and Colombia. His legacy continues through the Almeida Foundation, which trains technicians in sustainable prosthetics manufacturing.