i-limb ultra Revolutionn (via Touch Bionics)
Prosthetics that can be controlled by our wireless devices just makes sense in a world full of iPhones. The company Touch Bionics offers an active prosthetic that does exactly this. The iLimb Ultra has been on the market for some time now, but an improved version, called the iLimb Ultra Revolution, really makes use the new Biosim app for iOS.
The prosthetic is one of a kind. It connects to the iPhone with Bluetooth. It features a powered, rotating thumb that can be operated with muscle contractions as well as with the app, when selecting pre-programmed grips. Each finger articulates on its own, and a “vary grip” mode allows the grip strength of each finger to increase independently depending on the task.
The Biosim app (only for iOS currently) allows the user to tap into a feature called Quick Grips. With 24 thumbnails pictures of different grips or hand gestures, users can quickly pick a gesture or even sequence of gestures by tapping on the screen. The user can select their favorite grips for even faster access.
Pre-set patterns also facilitate tasks like flipping pages and playing chess by sequencing opening and pinching accordingly with muscle contractions. The app also includes a diagnostics tool that inspects the operation of the prosthetic and a training exercise to improve the user’s ability to control it.
Apart from the new app interface, the fingers were upgraded for better dexterity during important tasks like precision pinching, and the muscle electrodes that control the hand are now extra sensitive. In addition, improved battery management increased the hand’s battery life by 25% and it will tell you when it is low. Touch Bionics offers two batteries, a 2,000 mAh one for heavy use and a 1,300 mAh battery for medium usage.
The iLimb Ultra looks so cool, will.i.am featured it in the video for “Scream and Shout,” but Touch Bionic also makes some impressive looking covers for all types of skin tones. To help it seem more natural, the bionic hand moves to rest position after a period of inactivity and while walking.
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