Dean Kamen's amazing artificial arm

Original author: Chris Davies
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In addition to the invention of the Segway tumbler scooter, Dean Kamen is likely to become famous as the creator of the most advanced robotic prostheses. One of the latest developments, the DEKA Arm System, has been approved by the FDA . Part of the funding for the development was taken by DARPA, which already says a lot. In fact, this prosthesis was a big step forward in the creation of artificial limbs, allowing manipulations such as turning the key in the lock and fastening the zipper lock.

By mass, the prosthesis is comparable to a human hand. The electrodes implanted in the muscles of the rest of the limb, take signals from the brain and transmit to the electronic filling of the prosthesis.



The "Hand" is equipped with various motion sensors and dynamometric sensors, which allows the prosthesis to operate with small and fragile objects. The program has six different grip brushes. FDA trials of prototypes showed that with the help of the DEKA Arm System, 90% of subjects were able to perform actions that were previously inaccessible to them with any other prostheses. For example, take fruits without crushing them.



The cost of this excellent example of bioengineering has not yet been announced, although it is obvious that it is high. In fact, now this is the main reason holding back the widespread use of robotic prostheses. Kamen himself says:

Perhaps they will be installed for all veterans. Some well-off people will also be able to afford it. The rest, unfortunately ... everything rests on limited funds and insurance conditions. We are trying to fight this, but little is within our power in this area.


The DEKA Arm System can be installed in patients who have either lost their arm from the shoulder joint, or have retained part of their ulnar bones or forearm bones. For those who have lost a limb from the elbow joint or hand, this prosthesis is not yet suitable. Now the FDA is testing it for resistance to dust, light rainfall, shock loads and other environmental influences.


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