This video cannot be played without enabling JavaScript in your browser. By Paul Carter for BBC Click.
Having been born without lower arms and legs, I have been exposed to various prosthetics throughout my life. While I have avoided upper arm prosthetics in the past, my recent visit to a company in California that is revolutionizing bionic technology intrigued me enough to try out their latest innovation.
Atom Limbs is at the forefront of combining cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, to create a next-generation bionic arm. Their arm utilizes advanced sensors and machine learning to interpret electrical signals from the user’s brain, allowing for a full range of human motion in the elbow, wrist, and fingers. The arm also provides haptic feedback on grip strength and attaches via a lightweight vest, making it more comfortable for the wearer.
Despite my initial hesitation towards upper arm prosthetics, I was fascinated by the opportunity to operate a digital version of the arm on a computer screen using their control software. The experience of learning to control a part of my body that I don’t physically have was truly mind-boggling.
While this technology is groundbreaking, cost remains a concern for many disabled individuals. Atom Limbs aims to position their arm around the $20,000 price point, making it more affordable compared to other bionic products on the market. However, accessibility and practicality issues still need to be addressed before widespread adoption can occur.
Overall, the Atom Limbs arm is still in the early stages of development, with regulatory filings pending in the US. It will take time before we see these innovative prosthetics being used in everyday life.
