Summary Reader Response - Draft 3
The webpage "Hero Arm" from Open
Bionics (n.d.) introduces the Hero Arm prosthetic. The Hero Arm is a bionic upper-limb
prosthetic that emulates the abilities of a regular human arm. Operating using
myoelectric control, the Hero Arm uses electromyographical (EMG) electrode
sensors to pick up tiny electrical signals from the user’s arm muscles.
"Muscle contractions of different strengths, as reflected by different
amplitudes", can differentiate between actions to be performed, such as
"hand closing and opening or elbow flexion and extension" (Sörnmo
& Laguna, 2005). Using the amplitude of the signals received, the Hero Arm
translates these into coded instructions, which dictate its movement and
actions. About its features, according to Open Bionics (n.d.) the Hero Arm can
perform a multitude of different grips, allowing users to perform actions such
as eating with utensils, brushing their teeth, and much more. It also features
a 180° rotatable wrist for added flexibility, as well as a "Freeze
Mode" which locks the arm in place and disables muscle control, allowing
the user to relax without fear of misinput or accidentally releasing their
grip. While there are other bionic prosthetics in the medical field that are
more technically advanced, the Hero Arm still shines in comparison, excelling
in comfort, intuitive use, accessibility and affordability.
When considering a prosthetic, one major
factor that comes to mind is comfort, which the Hero Arm achieves. In terms of
build quality, the Hero Arm's liner is 3D printed using "a soft, flexible
elastomer", enabling it to adapt seamlessly to the contours of any users'
arms. It also has a fluted design, allowing for easy donning and doffing.
Breathable vents are also implemented along the liner, enabling air circulation
and helping the user stay cool. The liner is fully detachable from the arm's
electronic components, which allows for ease of washing. The integral BOA™ fit
adjustment dial allows the user to tighten and loosen the arm to their
preferences and comfort. In terms of aesthetics, the Hero Arm features MagSwap™
Removable Covers, which are magnetic covers that allow users to change or even
create the designs of their arm in a flash, giving them great customisability
and an outlet for self-expression. Regarding
intuitive use, the myoelectric control of the Hero Arm allows it to be
controlled by the user’s mind, which would allow the user to control it as if
it were their biological arm. The Hero Arm also provides “haptic vibrations,
beepers, buttons and lights” as notifications to aid in user control (Open
Bionics, n.d.). Additionally, Open Bionics made the code open source, allowing
users to customise the controls of the Hero Arm according to their preferences.
The Hero Arm also has a SidekickTM smartphone app to for further personalisation and tracking of user statistics.
Regarding accessibility and affordability, consumers
can simply visit the Open Bionics website to register for a Hero Arm, with its
dimensions being tailor-made to suit them. Open Bionics (n.d.) also states that
the Hero Arm is “available in over 800 locations” around the world. This makes the
Hero Arm relatively easy to purchase and use, enabling a great number of
individuals with limb differences to regain functionality. As for the Hero
Arm's price, according to the Open Bionics brochure (2021), it ranges between £9499
to £12699 in the UK. Even when compared to other externally worn prosthetic
arms, the Hero Arm’s price is a steal considering that other “myoelectric
devices range from $20,000 to $100,000” (Brack & Amalu, 2021).
One issue with the Hero Arm is that its
functions are not as robust when compared to other more technologically advanced
prosthetics. Fully implanted prostheses, such as one studied by Hall et al.
(2020), are objectively better functionality wise. An instance of this is when
sweat accumulates under the EMG sensors of the Hero Arm, the signals received
will be disrupted, causing discrepancies in control. Fully implanted prostheses
are unaffected by this as they are directly connected to the bones, muscles and
nerves under the skin. These prostheses are also able to simulate sensory
feedback to the user, allowing the prosthetics to “feel”, which is a feature
lacking in the Hero Arm. However, the major drawback of these prostheses is
that they cost a fortune, and many people who need a prosthetic are unable to
afford them. Furthermore, these prostheses require the user to undergo surgery,
having to “drill and tap a hole” in the bones along with many other complicated
medical procedures for proper integration Hall et al. (2021). Due to this, the
accessibility of these types of prostheses is also limited to the level of
medical technology available in the respective area.
In conclusion, while the Hero Arm by Open
Bionics may not be of cutting-edge technology, it is still a very effective,
comfortable, accessible and affordable bionic prosthetic, and an excellent
choice for re-enabling people with upper limb deficiencies.
REFERENCES
Open Bionics (n.d.). Prosthetic Hands.
https://openbionics.org/affordableprosthetichands/
Sörnmo, L. & Laguna, P. (2005). Bioelectrical Signal
Processing in Cardiac and Neurological Applications; The Electromyogram. ScienceDirect.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/myoelectric-control#:~:text=Myoelectric%20signals%20are%20typically%20measured,the%20process%20producing%20additive%20noise.
Open Bionics (n.d.). Marketing
Brochure 2021 A4, UK with pricing copy. https://openbionics.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Marketing-Brochure-2022-UK-A4-with-pricing-WEBSITE.pdf
Hall, T., Bratcher, S., Stubbs, C., Rifkin, R., Grzeskowiak, R.,
Burton, B., Greenacre, C., Stephenson, S., Anderson, D. & Crouch, D. (2020).
Fully Implanted Prostheses for Musculoskeletal Limb Reconstruction after
Amputation: An In Vivo Feasibility Study. National Library of Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366268/
Brack, R. & Amalu, E. (2021). A review of technology,
materials and R&D challenges of upper limb prosthesis for improved user suitability.
National Library of Medicine.
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