14 DAY TRIAL // I've seen quite a few prosthetic arms, I've even written about most of them, but the one I'm about to show you probably tops them all. Although, technically, it's not a prosthetic arm at all.
Instead, it's a harness that restores motion and control of paralyzed limbs. As amazing as it sounds, that's what it does.
Admittedly, it doesn't restore the full range of motion, and you still won't feel anything with it, but at least it won't hang uselessly at your side anymore.
A young woman by the name of Elizabeth Jackson has used 3D printing, as well as a bunch of other things and concepts, to create the “Airy Arm.”
Admittedly, it doesn't seem to restore feeling and motion to your whole arm, but if it's just your hand that is unresponsive, the invention could change your life.
The device has cables running over and under the fingers. They are actually controlled from the elbow though, a hinge that pulls on the cables under the finger and forces the hand to close if you bend the elbow.
Straightening the elbow, in turn, tugs on the other tinges, opening your grip. And since the mechanism at the elbow uses a double hinge, your movement isn't impeded at all.
Normally, a device like this could cost upwards of fifty thousand dollars / euro, but Elizabeth Jackson's Airy Arm can be made by anyone who owns a 3D printer.
Or, well, will be made. The final design will only be completed at some point in January or later, once the young woman starts working for the Brain Recovery Project. Even then, it should cost as low as below $100 / €100.
