By Paul CarterBBC
Paul Carter from the BBC tests out the cutting-edge prosthetic technology developed by Atom Limbs.
Having been born without lower arms and legs, I have been exposed to various prosthetics throughout my life. However, I have consciously steered clear of upper arm prosthetics until now and had never experienced using a bionic hand before.
During a visit to a company in California that is pushing the boundaries of prosthetic technology, I decided to give it a try. The outcome was truly astonishing.
The evolution of prosthetic limbs from rudimentary materials like wood, tin, and leather to modern silicon and carbon fiber structures with bionic capabilities showcases a remarkable journey in innovation.
Atom Limbs, the company I visited, is at the forefront of this advancement, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and other state-of-the-art technologies into their next-generation bionic arm.
Revolutionizing Prosthetics
Atom Limbs harnesses advanced sensors and machine learning to interpret brain signals, enabling precise movements and manipulation of the prosthetic limb. This bionic arm replicates the full range of human motion in the elbow, wrist, and fingers while providing feedback on grip strength to the user.
Unlike traditional prosthetics, this arm is attached using a specially designed vest that evenly distributes its weight, offering a lighter and more comfortable experience. It is a non-invasive solution that eliminates the need for surgical procedures or implants. By utilizing sensor bands to measure electrical signals and a secure interface, the arm seamlessly connects to the wearer’s residual limb.
Although I had avoided upper-arm prosthetics in the past, the opportunity to operate a digital version of the arm through Atom Limbs’ control software intrigued me. Assigning movements to my residual muscles was a surreal and fascinating experience, challenging me to control a part of my body that I had never possessed.
Affordability and Accessibility
While the technological advancements in prosthetics are undeniably exciting, the issue of affordability remains a significant concern for many individuals with disabilities. Cost has often been a barrier, preventing access to cutting-edge assistive devices for those who need them most.
Atom Limbs aims to address this challenge by positioning its prosthetic arm around the $20,000 (£15,000) price range, making it more accessible compared to other bionic products on the market. Despite being a considerable investment, this pricing strategy reflects a more inclusive approach to assistive technology.
Ian Adam, a prosthetics and orthotics lecturer at the University of Derby, acknowledges the financial implications of such devices, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions when investing in prosthetic solutions.
While the future of bionic arms holds immense promise, ethical and practical considerations must not be overlooked. Users like Britt H Young and Tilly Lockey emphasize the need for user-centric development and rigorous testing to ensure the real-world impact of these innovations.
As Atom Limbs continues its journey towards regulatory approvals in the US, the widespread integration of their technology into everyday life remains a future prospect.
Additional contributions by Tom Gerken.
