The i-LIMB Bionic Arm (new) (watch the video at link)

psfk ^ | January 23, 2009 | Not cited

[DGHoodini]

t really makes you feel that we're living in the fabled "future" predicted by science fiction writers when watching the i-LIMB bionic hand in action. This highly functional robotic prosthetic hand features precise movements, an organic look and a high level of control that makes it possible for users to execute everyday tasks like holding small objects and writing. Check out this amazing innovation in the video below.

Touch Bionics, the developers of the i-LIMB explain the device:

The Touch Bionics i-LIMB Hand was developed using leading-edge mechanical engineering techniques and is manufactured using high-strength plastics. The result is a next-generation prosthetic device that is lightweight, robust and highly appealing to both patients and healthcare professionals.

[DGHoodini]

Ya *gotta* watch the video with this story, at the link!

[Jeffrey_D.]

WOW !!! lucky young man.

[DGHoodini]

From what i’ve been reading about the subject, there are several new improvements to what we’re seeing here,in the offing as well. New revs soon to be hitting the practicable use stage. Even at it is, this young man is far from being the only recipint. I’ve been reading stories from across the nation, and from elsewhere, where everyday people are getting these iHands and iLimbs. It’s good to see they are dragging their feet in either development of dispersal of the se new bionic wonders. These things are going to make a lot of lives, a whole lot better.

[DGHoodini]

CORRECTION: it’s good to see they are *not* dragging their feet...

[lafroste]

I had a concept of such a device. I still think it is a plausible design. If curious, it is introduced in Chapter 4 of my book (see my profile page).

[tophat9000]

Sorry Ive been a high BE (below elbow) arm amputee for 40 years ...these electronic arm's tend to be way to much of a pain in the ass in the real world...... The thing is I think the number are 80% of arm amputees wear no prostices on any kind because there real not needed to function.. you adapt

[William Tell]

tophat9000 said: "... these electronic arm's tend to be way to much of a pain in the ass in the real world ..."

You're probably a single amputee and thus have the use of the other arm? The trade-off for somebody who has lost use of both hands would be quite different, I think.

Also, technological progress tends to be mostly evolutionary rather than revolutionary. It takes time to work out the drawbacks through step-wise refinement.

The first hearing-aids were probably quite inconvenient to use. Today's models are almost invisible in use. I just noticed the other day that my brother-in-law uses them.