2024-06-04 11:00:12
The “Third Thumb”, an additive robotic prosthesis, can be quickly mastered by the public, improving manual dexterity.
Crédit: Dani Clode Design & The Plasticity Lab
During testing, a wide range of participants proved that this technology can be mastered by almost All the mondedemonstrating its potential for inclusion. The “Third Thumb” was tested at the Exhibition scientist Royal Society Summer School, where 98% of participants were able to use it in less than a minute. Motor augmentation, which includes powered devices such as exoskeletons or robotic prosthetics, is an emerging field of technology. These devices aim to overcome current biological limitations, offering new ways of interacting with our environment for both healthy people and those with disabilities.
Professor Tamar Makin from the MRC Brain and Cognitive Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge said technology is redefining our perception of humanity, integrating machines into our everyday lives, minds and bodies. It is essential that these innovations are inclusive from the start to benefit all communities.
The “Third Thumb”, developed by Dani Clode, is a robotic prosthesis aimed at increasing the hand’s ability to move and grip. It is worn on the side opposite to the biological thumb and is controlled by sensors of pression placed under the big toes.
The Third Thumb helping the user open a bottle.
Crédit: Dani Clode Design / The Plasticity Lab
The study found consistent results across gender and hand dominance. However, a decline in performance was observed in older adults, possibly due to the decline in sensorimotor and cognitive abilities with age. Younger children also showed lower performance, particularly those under 10 years of age.
Lucy Dowdall, co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of physically testing diverse groups to ensure that motor augmentation technologies integrate harmoniously with users’ abilities.
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