Robotic finger prosthesis

2024: Product Announcement

In late May 2024, Cambridge researchers unveiled a guided robotic prosthesis in the form of an additional thumb that can be used to manipulate heavy objects.

The team tested the new robotic device with a wide range of volunteers to ensure the inclusivity of the new technology. A robotic finger can help both healthy people who want to improve their performance and people with disabilities by providing them with new ways to interact with the environment.

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TechXplore

An additional robotic thumb increases range of motion, increases grip capacity, and increases arm load capacity. This allows the user to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to perform with one hand, or to perform complex tasks with two hands without involving other people.

The third thumb attaches to the pinky side and is monitored by a pressure sensor located under the big toe. Using different legs, the user can control the direction of movement of the robotic finger, and the scope of movement is proportional to the applied pressure. The release of pressure allows the robotic finger to be returned to its original position.

The researchers tested the capabilities of the new technology with 596 volunteers aged three to 96 from a wide variety of demographics. Of these, only four could not use the "third thumb" either because the robot was loosely attached to the hand, or because of control problems, as the developed pressure sensors did not fit young children. 98% of participants learned to successfully manipulate objects with a robotic finger during the first minute of use.^[1]

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