Mind-controlled prosthetic arm debuts

Looking like something out of a Hollywood sci-fi movie, the new Atom Touch prosthetic arm allows users to control movement, and even individual fingers, using their minds

Support: Arm attaches to lightweight, breathable garment to distribute weight (approx 2kg)

Cuff: Sensors detect electrical signals from residual limb muscles and  instruct robotic 
arm to move
Price: $25,000 – same as currently used body-powered prosthetic hooks

Forearm: Houses battery and computer

Control: When user thinks of moving part of their missing arm, neural signals are sent from brain to residual limb and read by cuff worn on upper arm – process called electromyography

Powered wrist: Enables natural degrees of movement to turn door knob, hold glassof wine and many other routine tasks

Thumb: Bends at each joint like real thumb


Fingers: Control individual digits, with haptic feedback from each one aiding user’s motor controls

Pictures and illustration source: Atom Limbs
Sources: CNET, Atom Limbs