Engineering On The Edge

Each story like this one that I come across gives me a little glow of happiness. Science is so often demonized for its military applications and destructive possibilities, or quagmired in moral ambiguity that when it is so obviously used to help people it improves my day.

RSLSteeper is set to release version three of its powered prosthetic hand replacement, the aptly named bebionic 3. The new device offers an aluminum chassis, a redesigned thumb, and, according to the company, improved electronics and new motors that increase the power grip strength from 16.8 pounds to 31.5 pounds.

The bebionic3 from RSLSteeper. Courtesy of RSLSteeper.

“bebionic3 is the culmination of many years of development, and has the potential to revolutionise the lives of amputees from across the world. We have been able to make significant improvements to a design that was already the world’s most advanced myo-electric hand, making it stronger, more precise and easier to program,” said Paul Steeper, managing director of RSLSteeper Products Division.

“The new hand has been designed to help amputees to tackle real-life, everyday situations, and provides the perfect balance between advanced technology, functionality and aesthetics,” Steeper added.

The hand can carry up to 99 lbs., compared to the 70.5 lbs. offered by the previous model. Along with the technological improvements, the prosthetic offers customizable grip speed and customizable patterns to match the interests of the user. A new unit will cost between $25,000 to $35,000.

Below you’ll find a short video that features the bebionic3.

Sources: Cnet, RSLSteeper