A revolutionary prosthetic arm named Atom Touch is revolutionizing the field of prosthetic technology by enabling individual finger control, a breakthrough that is both innovative and non-invasive. Developed by Atom Limbs, this advanced arm represents a major advancement over existing prosthetic technologies. It was showcased to CNET journalist Lexy Savvides at the company's headquarters in California.
The CNET article references a report from the Amputee Coalition stating that approximately 5.6 million individuals in the US live with limb loss or differences. Most contemporary prosthetic arms are composed of disparate components—elbows, wrists, and hands from various manufacturers—which are then customized by a prosthetist for the user. In contrast, Atom Touch is a fully integrated system, with its battery and computer components housed within the forearm, providing a smooth and advanced user interface.
To operate the Atom Touch, the user places a cuff over their residual limb. This cuff contains electrodes that detect muscle activity via electromyography (EMG). The arm then reacts to the user's thoughts, performing movements based on the mental commands issued. Although other prosthetics, termed myoelectric prostheses, also utilize electrical muscle signals for operation, none provide the individual finger control that Atom Touch offers.
Atom Limbs intends to conduct clinical trials and seek FDA approval for the Atom Touch, with plans for market release in 12 to 18 months. The company anticipates the cost to be on par with or lower than that of a conventional body-powered prosthetic hook, which currently retails for around USD25,000.
