A Step Closer to the Bionic Man / Woman?

The fitting of a  "Bionic Arm" to a female in the US has attracted significant worldwide media interest.    For our sales in upper extremity components, Advanced Reciprocating Gait Orthosis (ARGO) and silicone products such as Skinergy and high definition silicone, the company works closely with Liberating Technologies Inc. (LTI), who is our exclusive partner in the USA.  LTI has a direct involvement in the “Bionic Arm” project.

As some background, the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States has recently issued two contracts totalling approximately $55m to undertake research in upper extremity prosthetic systems.  Two “teams” have been selected – one to work on a two-year contract and the other a four-year contract – with the goal of delivering significantly improved arm components and control systems to benefit amputees.  LTI has been selected to be part of the two-year project.

At present, sophisticated arm prostheses which may include an electrically powered elbow, wrist and hand have been difficult to control by the user who typically may have only two muscle sites with which to operate all the functions of the limb.  The recent news coverage has focused upon early results of the innovative surgical techniques that have allowed up to ten muscle sites to be utilised via the re-attachment of arm nerves to muscle tissue – known as “biological amplifiers”. These control five powered functions; hand open/close, wrist flex/extend, pro/supinate, elbow flex/extend and humeral internal/external rotation.   This radically improves the control process and allows the user far easier and smoother operation of the prosthesis.  The surgical technique is still being refined.    

 One of the key components highlighted in the limb is the electrically powered elbow unit.  This is known as the Boston Digital Arm System and whilst it was designed in the United States by LTI, key elements of the manufacturing are undertaken in the UK by RSLSTEEPER.  The Boston System is currently available, and RSLSTEEPER has successfully fitted the Boston Digital Arm System to patients in the UK and Europe utilising existing technology. The system can be fitted without surgery using external electrodes

As new technology develops through the DARPA projects, RSLSTEEPER will continue its strong partnership with Liberating Technologies to ensure that the very latest systems are made available to our clients both in the UK and overseas.

For more information on the Boston Digital Arm System please click here.

For more information on this story please contact us.

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