iLimb Pulse hand prosthesis: Switching between grip patterns

This is the new iLimb Pulse prosthetic hand. I've been using it for about four months. You can tell the hand to switch to up to four out of eight available grip modes or grip patterns with an included software. The software connects to the hand via bluetooth.

I use a co-contraction for changing from the default grip mode to wrist rotation. That means that I send a simultaneous muscle signal to both electrodes. That is very useful for a lot of things, for example pouring drinks.

I activate my second grip mode by sendeing two quick impulses to the opening electrode. My second grip mode is called precision pinch.

It moves the Index finger in opposition to the thumb. It is very useful for picking up small objects.

My next grip mode is called index point. I activate it by sendeing three quick impulses to the opening electrode: One, two, three. It is very useful for typing.

My fourth grip mode is called thumb park. I activate with a open signal that lasts more than two seconds. The hand then parks the four fingers and only moves the thumb. That is very useful for donning and doffing clothing.

In summary, I can tell the i-Limb to do five differnt things: Move all fingers, rotate the wrist, go to pinch mode for picking up small objects, point out the index finger for typing, and park all fingers but the thumb. Each mode is associated with its own control signal, so there is no "cycling through" modes. Any mode can be activated from any other mode. It is the most advanced prosthesis that I ever had and it has drastically improved my quality of life. Thank you, Touch Bionics!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• iLimb
• i-Limb
• prosthesis
• prosthetic arm
• artificial hand
• bionic
• Touch Bionics
• i-LIMB

[rme1188]

Would your life be any different if this prostetic arm was controlled via wrist buttons (that could be programable by mirroring your other hand?) instead of impulses?

[myowelt]

@rme1188 If it had buttons, I would have to use my other hand to use the prosthesis which would still render me one-handed so I think that misses the point.

[Zantgant]

This looks bloody amazing!! If this question dos not seem weird but is it weird being able to rotate your hand more then 360 degrees? I hope you get great joy out of it. =)

[myowelt]

@Zantgant its my favorite party trick. :)

[InfectiousShroomKid]

Few questions. What kind of connection does it use for your computer and is the interface program used very large? I was wondering if it would be possible to perhaps put the program in a portable device. Also, how much gripping power does the prosthesis have (like a pound limitation and psi? Sorry if this is too technical, I am just curious.

[myowelt]

@InfectiousShroomKid The connection to the computer is wireless via bluetooth. The control software is a few megabytes and afaik TouchBionics is already working on a version for handheld devices. The grip force in power grip mode (all fingers moving) is 10.2kg (100N) without pulsing and 13.9kg (136N) with pulsing.

[myowelt]

@hexmeohdear dude... there's a slight difference between replacing a *missing* limb with a prosthesis and replacing an *existing and healthy* limb with a prosthesis.

[hexmeohdear]

Deus Ex: It's already happening!

Do not let this be our future! Join Purity First!

[EtherealAuthor]

@myowelt Personally, I would find the computer interface irritating. Perhaps a touch screen computer could be mounted on the inner wrist to change modes on the fly?

[UniverseOffspring]

@myowelt Do you have a "finger the whores" setting?

[anonymous133711]

i never asked for this

[ostkreutzer]

i want a third arm, is that possible ? :)

[Gr4veD1gg3r]

" useful for typing which i do a lot" *types* 2 tab 1 tab 1 tab 1 tab haha

[kittylactose]

can you demonstrate a titty twister with your prosthetic?

[sage1133]

Cool now make a setting where you can give people the finger.