I need some help designing my bionic arm

[jonasbiotech]

Hi there     
My name is Jonas and Im a biotech student from Denmark. For my final project I want to make my own version of a bionic arm. It would therefore be a big help if you could share some of the problems you're facing on a daily basis. It can be anything from not being able to play computer to the bionic arms looking boring. Anything you can think of. I think it would be pretty cool if your wishes work as a foundation for the design. If you own a bionic arm or have tried one it would also be very helpful if you have any suggestions for what you would change or add to make the best possible bionic arm. I hope hearing from all you wonderful people    
- Jonas

[snowyh]

Hi, Jonas, and thanks for asking! Hmm, let's see...

- I guess the most common issue I have to deal with is how to hold onto something while acting upon it with my remaining hand. Primarily, this would be cutting things (paper, bread, vegetables, meat, etc.), but also sewing, washing dishes, dusting items, holding a bag open to put something inside, opening jars/bottles, ironing, cutting a length of foil off of a roll, tearing a paper towel or opening cabinets to get something out or put something in. Once I replaced the socket in a lamp with much difficulty. Holding a nail while hammering it can be a challenge. Have you ever tried to wipe the blades of a ceiling fan using only one hand? Repairing eyeglasses with those tiny screws...
- Lifting, carrying or catching items too large or heavy to do so safely or easily with one hand (especially overhead). For instance, picking up a child or larger pet or moving bulky delivery boxes or furniture, putting large items on a high shelf.
- Operating anything that has a pivot point and needs leverage--broom, mop, gardening loppers, baseball bat, golf club, rifle, chain saw.
- Placing sticky items precisely (mailing labels, bumper stickers, packing tape).
- Climbing a vertical ladder (90-degree angle from the ground), especially if one must hook/unhook safety ropes along the way.
- Anything that needs to be tied--shoe laces, gift bows, bathing suit top, hair restraint.
- Overcoming the limitations others place on me because they assume I can't do certain things. I guess making the device resemble a natural arm/hand would be useful so that casual observers wouldn't notice that it's a prosthesis.

It should be made out of materials that are no heavier than a flesh arm.

Helen

PS- I have assistive devices or have come up with non-biometric work-arounds for most of the above, as I don't wear a prosthesis.

[jonasbiotech]

Thank you so much for your answer! I think those are some really important angles I could cover in my project