Bionic Third Thumb Provides Extra Gripping Power

With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.

Developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the Third Thumb is a bionic attachment a user can wear to take their hand to the next level. That next level being a hand with two thumbs, just to be clear. The extra digit attaches to the side of the hand opposite your actual thumb and allows gripping in ways that were previously impossible. But why stop there? I want another thumb extending from the middle of my wrist.

Two pressure pads underneath the wearer’s big toes cleverly control the thumb. Applying pressure to the right toe pulls the thumb across the hand towards the opposite thumb, and applying pressure to the left toe extends it upwards towards the other fingers. The amount of pressure applied to the toe pads is proportional to the amount of movement. I’ll never lose another thumb wrestling match in my life!

Do I need an extra thumb? At least one on each hand. I could also use a couple of extra index fingers. You know what? Just give me all the extra fingers. If I can’t count to 21 on just my three hands, I’m still not bionic enough.

[via TechEBlog]

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With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.