Hero Arm Today's topic is prosthetics technology that is cha | Tech for Good
Hero Arm
Today's topic is prosthetics technology that is changing lives across the globe.
Based in Bristol, UK, Open Bionics is a company that has developed an affordable assistive device called Hero Arm. Hero Arm is a lightweight myoelectric prosthesis for below-elbow amputee adults and children aged 8 and above.
For each of the Hero Arms, Open Bionics makes a 3D scan of the limb; and then uses clever software and design to manufacture the prosthetic using strong material called Nylon 12. The company claims that the Arm socket is comfortable, adjustable, and breathable, making it easy to take on and off while providing the best fit.
The Hero Arm uses myoelectric sensors, which detect underlying muscular contractions generated from specific muscle groups in the arm. These are then amplified and converted into intuitive and proportional bionic hand movements. The device gives the wearer the ability to select from 6 grip options. They are a fist, hook, pinch, and tripod, as well as a manually adjustable thumb and wrist. Haptic vibrations, beepers, buttons, and lights provide intuitive notifications to help control bionic arm movements.
Videos on the company's website show 15-year-old Tilly Lockey performing various day-to-day activities with a myoelectric arm. She pours and drinks water, makes a sandwich, uses a knife and a fork, picks up small objects, and even writes with her Hero Arms.
On top of that, Hero Arm comes with swappable magnetic covers. The wearers may choose from a wide range of styles, including Star Wars BB-8 and R2-D2, Marvel Iron Man, Disney Frozen, and Deus Ex, allowing them to switch up their style and match their mood.
Open Bionics was co-founded by Joel Gibbard and Samantha Payne in 2014. Since then, the company has won several international awards. In January 2019, they raised £4.6 million in Series A funding, which enabled the company to serve multiple markets, including UK, USA, New Zealand, and Europe. The company is on a mission to make bionic prosthetics more accessible across the globe. Open Bionics states that their Hero Arm is less than half the price of the nearest competitor.
Open Bionics website
#medical #robotics
