Say “prosthetic arm” and what comes to mind? In all probability, something very different from what Unlimited Tomorrow is creating.
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This New York-based startup has come up with a way to 3D print robotic arms! This ultralight advanced technology can match the wearer’s skin tone and appear much more realistic than some of the prosthetics of the past.
Most importantly, though? Artificial intelligence allows Unlimited Tomorrow’s robotic arms to be versatile.
The fingers move. The limb can learn, and perform, a number of tasks. Like those of a natural arm, the prosthetic muscles are responding to the brain.
Meanwhile, haptics provide sensation.
And if the amputee is a child, the robotic arm can “develop” as he or she grows, as opposed to having to be replaced.
Ella Scarchilli, community manager for Unlimited Tomorrow, was on hand in Las Vegas for CES® 2019. At the Eureka Park® startup area, she was exhibiting one of the arms which her organization has created–which is so realistic that it even has replaceable fingernails!
During the week of CES®, Unlimited Tomorrow reached an exciting milestone. They achieved their Indiegogo goal which will allow them to supply 100 amputees with prosthetics, through their “100 Tomorrows” project.
In a post-CES® interview, Ella explained how the revolutionary prosthetic works, shared the story of Unlimited Tomorrow and offered a preview of what’s next.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:
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How the mechanics work, of these new 3D printed prosthetics;
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How Unlimited Tomorrow started with a hobbyist maker–and a science fair!
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What the process is like, for an amputee getting an arm through Unlimited Tomorrow;
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The next steps in the process, before Unlimited Tomorrow takes its prostheses to market (projected date: January 2020);
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The plans to develop new prosthetics for growing young wearers (instead of having to completely replace the limb);
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Where to find Unlimited Tomorrow’s open-source software, if you are a maker!;
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What’s happening now for their first “customer”, and what’s next;
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How Ella, who is a public-relations professional, first came on board;
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How to support Unlimited Tomorrow as they continue their research and development