{"id":9611,"date":"2024-03-10T21:03:42","date_gmt":"2024-03-10T21:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2024\/?p=9611"},"modified":"2024-03-18T14:43:18","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T14:43:18","slug":"ai-bionic-arms-exist-an-innovative-piece-of-prosthetic-tech-by-atom-limbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk\/uosm2031-2024\/2024\/03\/10\/ai-bionic-arms-exist-an-innovative-piece-of-prosthetic-tech-by-atom-limbs\/","title":{"rendered":"AI Bionic Arms Exist: An Innovative Piece of Prosthetic Tech by Atom Limbs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Background on Atom Limbs and Prosthetics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This is the first artificial human arm created by Atom Limbs<\/a> called the ‘Atom Touch’. <\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n

Atom Limbs is a company whose goal is to build a better future for humans by building artificial prosthetics that allow amputees to regain function of lost limbs.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Prosthetics first emerged with the use of materials such as wood and metal, however current technology uses lighter and more durable materials such as carbon fiber and silicon. Despite the modern world having great advancements in technology, most prosthetic limbs have remained the same in that they give the appearance of a functioning limb but are relatively useless to the wearer. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Prosthetic toe from ancient Egypt<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ethical and Societal Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bionic products tend to be expensive which puts most devices out of reach for many disabled people, who statistics show are more likely to be on the poorer end of society. There may also be supply issues for low income countries who have limited access to specialised medical facilities. This seems to partially be why less than 1 in 5 people with arm loss do not use a prosthetic. So what is the point of making a device to improve quality of life if the intended target audience doesn’t use them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I read this BBC News<\/a> article and it appears that Atom Limbs have dwelled upon this ethical consideration positioning their bionic arm around \u00a315,000, which – although still a lot – is considerably less than many other similar devices on the market. A more reasonable price for a high quality bionic product. This made me question myself – if I had a missing arm, would I get this bionic arm? Considering its price, my decision would come down to the prosthetics practicality and usability in everyday life. If it functions like a real arm, then it would be justifiable to spend such an amount as it is a life-long investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Underlying Science<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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