Nanotube-infused synthetic skin for artificial limbs

Call us crazy, but one of the most attractive parts of having an artificial limb is the decidedly robotic aesthetic (and potential super strength), but we totally understand why some people would be interested in having something a little more ... natural. Cue the Pentagon-backed researchers who are "creating patches of synthetic skin that'll provide direct feedback to the brain" for inclusion in artificial limbs as early as 2010, reports Danger Room. The "skin" is made of a "rubbery polymer called polyimide" and infused with carbon nanotubes (think we can upgrade our skin with this stuff?). Check out a video of double amputee Jesse Sullivan demonstrating a prototype of the bionic arm after the break.

World's First "Bionic Man" - video powered by Metacafe

[STUD HUNK @ Jan 8th 2008 4:26PM]

So many unsung heros in medicine and science - past and present - who are helping to make the world a better place!

http://www.touchbionics.com/professionals.php?section=8&pageid=70

Here is a related article about a new bionic arm and hand developed and being tested

[rxse7en @ Jan 8th 2008 4:27PM]

Once again...

DARTH VADER IS LUKE'S FATHER!

[OneLove @ Jan 8th 2008 4:30PM]

but will it play doom? (...with me)

[Henry's wearing pants! @ Jan 8th 2008 5:56PM]

More like...

Will it blend?

[stickmanfc73_ @ Jan 8th 2008 4:35PM]

Sweet. My Ghost in the Shell dreams are going to become a reality before I die! Just a few more steps to bionic brains and we'll never leave the WWW!

[Mike10010100 @ Jan 8th 2008 6:35PM]

Otherwise known as the noosphere.

[Garst @ Jan 9th 2008 5:31AM]

I would not go bionic. I don't want my "body" being hack. The thought of someone hacking my eyes and ears so I never see or hear someone I love ever agian is just too horrifying.

[stickmanfc73_ @ Jan 9th 2008 9:11AM]

I'd really just want the arm. Unless something goes wrong with my body from the neck up, I wouldn't want a new brain.

[Itchy Pajamas @ Jan 8th 2008 4:48PM]

I'm all for advances like this at the intersection of robotics and medicine. Who knows when it will be me, or a loved one, who might benefit from this? Quality of life rocks!

[Big Wizz @ Jan 8th 2008 5:21PM]

Well, thats no good. I just got "The Stranger" technique down.

[Generic @ Jan 8th 2008 6:41PM]

So at last Mr. Data's hands and mine will have something in common.

[Motoken @ Jan 8th 2008 11:51PM]

freakin awesome. great improvement from previous tech!

[MikeyMike @ Jan 10th 2008 7:22AM]

Are YOU Sarah Connor?

[Garst @ Jan 9th 2008 5:32AM]

I can see people freak out "Terminator" style when they start peeling the skin back. I don't care if it will "heal," it's still distrubing.

[Garst @ Jan 9th 2008 5:34AM]

Is that guy really missing both of his arms?

[meafilms @ Jan 9th 2008 2:20PM]

I couldn't help but laugh at 25-26 seconds for the masterbation demonstration... 'so that's what it will look like'. Weird!