DARPA's prosthetic challenge nets first prototype
Less than a year after challenging researchers to develop a bionic arm that looks, feels, and works like a real arm by 2009, DARPA's Revolutionizing Prosthetics Program has now netted its first prototype, PhysOrg reports, with one patient already putting the arm through its paces. Developed by a team at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory, the appropriately-dubbed Proto 1 system not only consists of a prosthetic arm, but a virtual environment that patients can use to get accustomed to it. Like other similar systems, the Proto 1 makes use of residual nerves in the patient to control the arm, which also allows for them to receive a sensation of grip strength and touch. That apparently makes the arm precise enough to remove a credit card from a pocket, with the arm also boasting a "free swing mode" that allows for a more natural movement when the patient is walking. While Proto 1 seems to have already been enough to attract interest from various government agencies, the researchers don't look to be resting on their laurels, with them already hard at work on Proto 2.
Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wearables
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Neo @ Apr 28th 2007 7:15AM
Impressive.
Murc @ Apr 28th 2007 2:00PM
yeah...this is one topic that all the posts will be positive.
arms have need a nice big upgrade...and with troops overseas, and some getting wounded...its nice to know that in a few years they could get a new arm...not as good as their old one...but the technology is getting there.
Lunar Dog @ Apr 28th 2007 2:33PM
I am with Murc on this one, with wars and horrible work/traffic related accidents, this is the type of research that should be showered with money. Much better than "my wee wee doesn't work" blue pills anyways
ethana2 @ Apr 28th 2007 3:28PM
I'm gonna take this one, sorry- Once they start doing other limbs, we may not need those blue pills anymore.
Seriously, though. If I can use their designs without getting sued, I'm good with it. If I cant, well, I'll have to make my own under the BSD license. OSH needs all the help it can get.