Technabob » limb http://technabob.com/blog Cool Gadgets, Gizmos, Games and Geek Stuff Sun, 27 May 2012 20:00:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Modern Cyborg: Amputee Demonstrates Bionics http://technabob.com/blog/2011/05/19/amputee-demonstrates-bionics/ http://technabob.com/blog/2011/05/19/amputee-demonstrates-bionics/#comments Thu, 19 May 2011 11:59:27 +0000 Range http://technabob.com/blog/?p=56510 It looks like cyborgs are among us, thanks to bionic prosthetics that amputees can now have attached to replace their missing limbs. The BBC is reporting about the cases of two elective amputees, who had lost the ability to use their hands. Instead, chose to replace their non-functioning hands with bionic limbs.

051811 rg CyborgHand 01

Patrick, a 24-year old Austrian, had lost the use of his hand. Now, thanks to his bionic hand, he can move his fingers once more. The prosthetics are called bionic since use the signals from the patients’ brain and nerves to enact movement. Through the miracle of modern science, Patrick can tie his own shoelaces and open a bottle. Another patient, called “Milo” lost his hand in a motorcycle accident and will soon be fitted with a bionic hand after a voluntary amputation of his right hand.

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This stuff seems like it’s out of science fiction, but it’s real. It’s amazing what they can do with these bionic limbs. It won’t take long before people will have all sorts of bionic implants, from feet to eyes. Be sure to check out the videos over at the BBC.

[via Make:]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2011/05/19/amputee-demonstrates-bionics/feed/ 0 Handy Robotic Arm is a Helpful Extra Limb http://technabob.com/blog/2008/08/02/handy-robotic-arm-is-a-helpful-extra-limb/ http://technabob.com/blog/2008/08/02/handy-robotic-arm-is-a-helpful-extra-limb/#comments Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:00:10 +0000 Karen M. http://technabob.com/blog/?p=3276 The Handy robotic arm is meant to lend an extra hand for things like hammering, washing, painting, or kneading. It will be wireless capable and come with USB and midi ports, and employ “fuzzy AI logic” so it can learn your individual preferences.

handy

It is expected to be released in the next couple of years and will be foldable for transport. The first model will be like this tabletop rendering but future models might have wheels and harnesses (really? harnesses?) for additional mobility.

This is a clean site so I don’t want to imply other less savory uses that folks might find for this item. I think this quote from the manufacturers, in conjunction with the above photo, will suffice: “Handy has a very, very firm but soft grip and its ability to oscillate up and down at select speeds is quite satisfying.” Mm-hmm.

[InventorSpot via UberGizmo]

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