Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Enhances Functionality

via ThomasNet.com

In what could be a game-changing development for prosthetic limbs, researchers at the University of Michigan have had success in accessing faint signals from nerve endings in creating a robotic hand with never-before-seen capabilities. The team has been able to amplify faint signals from nerves in amputated arms in such a way that wearers can manipulate the fingers of a prosthetic hand just by thinking about it.  

This has been achieved in clinical settings by separating the bundles of remaining nerves into more manageable fibers. This creates a direct connection that is easier to amplify in generating more precise movements and enhanced prosthetic control.

Read the full story here: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/mind-controlled-prosthetic-enhances-functionality/

Single-use plastic bottles find second life in prosthetic devices

via Plastics Today

How do you slash the cost of a prosthetic limb socket from approximately $6,000 to around $12? Simple: You fabricate it from plastic water bottles, and strike a blow against plastic waste in the process. The idea originated with Dr. Karthikeyan Kandan, a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at De Montfort University (DMU) Leicester in the United Kingdom.

Read the full story here: https://www.plasticstoday.com/medical/single-use-plastic-bottles-find-second-life-prosthetic-devices/192122339061468

Robert Downey, Jr. & Limbitless Solutions Deliver Iron Man-Inspired Bionic Arm

Via Marvel

The folks at Microsoft OneNote, the Collective Project, and Limbitless Solutions have brought a piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to life with the creation of a fully-functional 3D printed bionic arm modeled on Iron Man’s own gauntlet–and one lucky kid met with Robert Downey, Jr. to receive the arm for himself.
Watch the video here: http://marvel.com/news/movies/24248/robert_downey_jr_limbitless_solutions_deliver_iron_man-inspired_bionic_arm#ixzz3UHpQiRbk