`Bionic' Arm Brings Back Sense of Touch

bdcrazy writes "Two way communication with prosthetic devices allows man who lost both arms in an accident to feel hot and cold, to sense objects and to actually move the prosthetic device to pick things up and put them down. "

Re:What does this mean to biotechnology?

[Reverend528]

Why on earth would anyone want to trade in a real arm for a robotic one? Why not just have 3 arms?

Prosthetic brain?

[Anonymous Coward]

From Article:

A lineman for a Tennessee power company, Sullivan in 2001 grabbed a high-tension wire carrying 7,400 volts of electricity, which incinerated his arms.

I don't mean to sound like an insentive asshole (but I probably will anyway) but don't you think he has bigger problems if he's grabbing high voltage power lines?

Was this one of those famous, "Hold my beer and watch this!" situations that seem to have become so well known?

Long distance feeling

[Anonymous Coward]

If you can have an artificial sensation, there is no requirement that it be something local that you're feeling.

If you extend this technology, you could entirely remove the requirement to travel. Simply rent a remote control tourist and you will completely be wherever you want. Cool. On the other hand, the matrix is getting closer. Uncool.

kind of off topic but relevent

[baloo63]

my dad has lost one arm and the use of another arm in a hay baler. while i am always excited to see this kind of technology advancing, it is obviously aways away from practical use for a farmer. my dad has recently expressed alot of interest in using a computer, does anyone know anything that would make the computing experience easier for someone with no mobility in limbs?

Re:What does this mean to biotechnology?

[fuzzybunny]

I would love to have a hand on my forehead. I have tried to convince my girlfriend that this would, in fact be wicked cool (even more so than my idea for over-and-under double barreled penises) but she doesn't seem to get it.

Think about it--sipping coffee, smoking a cigarette, keeping your sunglases from slipping off your forehead, reading maps while driving, the possibilities are endless.

As for "wouldn't look appealing"? Well, if someone ever criticized my third forehead hand, I'd lean in real close, look them in the eye, and SLAP THEM.