Posted on 05/19/2021 9:24:41 PM PDT by BenLurkin
A group of 36 healthy participants were trained on the device (professional musicians were excluded) and used it to perform a variety of tasks, such as building a tower of blocks, manipulating multiple balls simultaneously, or stirring a coffee cup with a spoon. They even managed to perform some of these tasks while blindfolded or distracted with math problems.
“The Third Thumb is a flexible 3D-printed thumb extension for your hand, controlled by your feet,” said Clode, a designer at UCL. “It is worn on the hand, next to your little finger, and dynamically moves like a thumb by using two motors controlled by two pressure sensors retrofitted into your shoes, under your toes, and communicating with the Thumb piece wirelessly.”
The use of feet to control this device might seem weird, but Clode compared it to driving a car, using a sewing machine, or playing the piano—all activities that make use of foot pedals.
The participants had access to the device for five days, and their brains were fMRI scanned both before and after the experiment. They learned quickly, using the device to pick up wine glasses, sort objects, and go about their daily routines. The participants were encouraged to take the Thumb home each day, allowing them to wear the device between two and six hours each day. A control group was also created, in which participants used a static third thumb with no robotic capability.
UCL designer Dani Clode with her ‘Third Thumb’ device.
Image: Dani Clode
(Excerpt) Read more at gizmodo.com ...
Oh, so it’s NOT some new euphemism. I knew that.
How did I ever get along with 5!
Cats everywhere want to know where to get some.
Welcome to the digital age.
Dunno. I have 10.
Clever!
Useful to pianists trying to play any Rachmaninoff piece.
Laz has already ordered one for his girlfriend. For science.
lol — what a concept
Alternate title:
Pretty girl spends lots of money to find out humans are good at learning to use tools.
I had a cat years ago that adopted us. (1975) Cats do that. We called him “gato de siete garras”. Cat of seven claws. He had two extra claws. He used them like an opposable thumb. He could pick up things with one paw. The first time he did this I said to myself, “a cat can not do this.” I immediately looked at his claws and feet. I then realized he could do this.
He was a good cat.
Glorious, an extra digit for Democrats to stick up their ass.
Around these parts, the extra claws and fingers are usually found in barn cats. Usually found on the front paws and are large enough to be seen as extras if one is looking.
“Like a part of their body”. Sounds awfully close to how the mask nazis operate!
A workable prosthetic for people who have lost fingers or born without them..........I used to play racquetball with a guy who was born with only a thumb on one hand.
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