Scientists develop robotic ‘third thumb’ that can greatly boost human efficiency
How will it enhance human capabilities and productivity if an additional robotic thumb is installed in our hands? Scientists at Cambridge University conducted a study and found that it can really help expand our efficiency. They have also developed a controllable prosthetic extra thumb, which is easy to use and very controllable.
Tamar Makin, a professor from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge, said that the new technology can help marginalised communities.
“These technologies open up exciting new opportunities that can benefit society, but it’s vital that we consider how they can help all people equally, especially marginalized communities who are often excluded from innovation research and development,” she said.
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He added that it will greatly help people relying on their hand’s manual dexterity to complete their tasks.
“We are also really excited about potential opportunities of using the thumb to enhance productivity in work settings, especially those that are relying on their hand’s manual dexterity in order to accomplish their work,” she said.
“This can be anywhere between manual labourers that are trying to solder a complicated kit or even surgeons that have to negotiate between many instruments at the same time,” she added.
The device, referred to here as the third thumb, was initially tested by 600 participants at a 2022 exhibition.
Out of the 600 people, only 4 were not able to use the robotic thumb properly due to size issues. It reveals how the device is designed to help most of the people who intend to use it.
The results of the experiment were published in Science Robotics in May which revealed: “98 per cent of participants were able to successfully manipulate objects using the extra thumb during the first minute of use, with no significant influences of gender, handedness, or affinity for hobbies involving the hands”.
(With inputs from agencies)
