Third Thumb by Sean Gill👍
The "Third Thumb Project" was created by Danielle Clode at Royal College of Art in London. The thumb was the product of a 3-D printer. Clode does not like the idea of the prosthetics only being limited to only fixing body ailments. She believes that the new thumb, and more prosthetics, could be used to improve the body. While the Third Thumb is only a prototype, the workers of the "Third Thumb Project" hope to expand to more than just a third thumb.
How it works
The third thumb is worn like a watch. There are two motors that receive motion signals which then pull on Bowden Cable system to make the thumb move. This cable system is made from Teflon tubing and wire and works like a bike break system.
The thumb clenches or grabs when there is pressure felt in the shoes of the person wearing the watch. Two pressure sensors are placed to the under side of the toes inside the shoes. There is a small bluetooth box attached to the shoe that is in charge of relaying the motions from the shoe to the wrist. It is very similar to driving a car. Pressure on the feet makes the wiring clench, making the thumb move.
Many people find it unconventional and strange that the thumb is worked by a totally different part of the body. The use of the thumb does take some getting used to. The overall goal of the thumb is to add on to the body with prosthetics, rather than replacing the body with prosthetics. Clode and the "Third Thumb Project" are attempting to change how everyone thinks about prosthetics and prove that prosthetics can be used for more than fixing lost body parts/ or body parts that never existed etc.
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