BeBionic Artificial Hand (article & video)

[snowyh]

RSLSteeper out of Kent, UK is planning to release in May a new prosthetic hand that brings new functionality and supposedly a more natural and personalized look. The BeBionic hand is fully articulated with preprogrammed grips and a powered wrist.

URL: www.medgadget.com/archives/2010/02/bebionic_hand.html

Helen

[cherylm]

Very cool! What do you upper-extremity folks think?

[snowyh]

It reminds me of Luke Skywalker's prosthesis, which only existed in a moviemaker's imagination just 30 years ago. Like most upper-extremity prostheses, I figure it'll be of most use to either bilateral or below-elbow amps. Above-elbow amps will most likely not be as interested, even if they can make it functional for us (and that remains to be seen). As dazzling as it is, until they address the issues of weight and comfort, it's just not practical for high-level amputees like myself.

I appreciate the fact that, finally, inventors are tackling the challenge of making a more functional prosthesis for upper-ex amps... probably because the recent increase in our population from current US war efforts has made the venture more promising money-wise. Having said that, I do think that the costs will likely outweigh the benefits of such devices. I say that both because costs will be insanely high*, and because unilateral arm amps can function quite well with only one working hand/arm. Unless we can get someone else to foot the bill (insurance companies, government, sugar daddy), I think most arm amps will take a pass.

That's my take on the situation.

Helen

*you could buy a luxury car or a modest house for what they're likely to charge

[ampgk]

Interesting demo. Now let's see the rest of the device :-)

I'm going to disagree with you a little, Helen, concerning your statement, "the recent increase in our population from current US war efforts," suggesting a significant uptick in the total amputee population.

The number of military amputees isn't statistically significant compared to the total amputee population in the United States, something on the order of one thousand total military amputees v. an existing amputee population of about two million, or about one-twentieth of one percent.

Advanced prosthetics will continue to be novelty items (refer to my previous post under the Dean Kamen thread for an example of just how small the numbers are) until someone develops a mass-market anthropomorphic robot. It should be possible to utilize the various subassemblies of such a device as affordably-priced prostheses for amputees. Some won't like it, but pornbots will be that mass-market source.

Taking the really long view, prosthetics are transitional devices until tissue regeneration and limb regrowth become possible, but I don't expect to see that in my lifetime.

[bluedogz]

I have to agree with Helen that it's gratifying to see some companies beginning to try to address the upperex issue. As far as I'm concerned, though, lacking a sugar daddy I won't be wearing something like this anytime soon. My biggest dexterity improvement came from the most rudimentary prosthesis I've ever seen, which I wear now.

[bluedogz]

Well, there are developments... by a long chain of events, I've been asked to pilot a Bebionic hand on my existing myoelectric rig, as well as adapting it to my body-powered rig to evaluate function in both applications. There will, of course, be video as soon as I can get my hands on it... er, HAND.

[snowyh]

OMG, Blue, that's fantastic! I can't wait to hear & see more about your experience!

Helen

[ann58]

Yes I think this is wonderful.. can't wait to hear your report.

[cherylm]

Major news, there, Blue! Even this BK is dying to hear your opinion!