#34

As for availability I’m one of only a couple of people who are lucky enough to have got one of these on the NHS, they are bloody expensive if you wanted one privately (>£10k). There is a company called OpenBionics who are doing 3D printed arms for kids in Iron Man or Frozen styles/colours at a much lower price which is ace.

It does obviously look a damn sight better than the hook, but bear in mind it still only really has two movements, open and close, it’s nowhere near a proper hand’s functionality. That will gradually come as implants to use the nerves is on the way potentially giving way more flexibility and tactile sensations!

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#36

When you’re officially a superhuman with the power to destroy us all please remember that we, on DiS, think you’re ace.

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#37

That does sound heavy. You inspired me to try to find out how much the forearm and hand usually weighs

https://exrx.net/Kinesiology/Segments

This implies that you’re maybe looking at ~2% of your body weight so if my maths is right your amazing bionic arm would be lighter than your other forearm, if your weight was 58.8kg, although clearly it’s a bit hard to determine all these values.

I realise this is meaningless because of course your biological arm holds its own weight at all times.

Anyway, fascinating and great video. Didn’t think it was remotely bad as a piece of presentation. So many times I have tried to present things and it’s been so so so worse than that.

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#38

That’s interesting, I’ve often casually wondered how heavy the original arm and hand were but never investigated. Rough calculations means my original forearm weighed approx 1.5Kg (assuming that includes the hand), but like you say it’s meaningless, the weight is distributed totally differently with the prosthetic, 90% of the weight is pressured on my stump when lifting it for example.

Thanks. The nice comments have been a bit of a boost, I may have to do more videos! :grinning:

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#40

One of those YouTube channels with no speaking, just a man bashing stuff with his bionic arm :smiley:

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#41

Might get flagged for adult content

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#42

Do you get a lot of looks / questions from kids / rude adults? And have you developed various stories about lion attacks / Darth Vader to spin them?

I’m aware this could be considered a rude question, sorry.

#43

as fun as that sounds, no way am I bashing stuff with a £10k arm! It was pointed out to me at the time I picked it up that it is mine on “permanent loan”, in other words, fuck about with it and we’ll have it back matey! :grinning:

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#44

Not at all, I’m always happy to talk about it.

I have had some direct questions from kids in supermarket queues to the embarrassment of their parents, I always want to tell them some story of a shark attack but I’m not a great liar! Although on one occasion at a ten pin bowling alley, some smart arse kid was sticking his hand in the bit where the ball gets spat out, under the sign saying “do not stick your hand in here”. So I said to him “you want to stop doing that mate”, “oh yeah, why should I?” he cockily replied, so I brandished my hook at him and told him it was the result of me doing that, his face was a picture, I have no doubt he now advises all his friends not to do it as well!

Never really had any rude adults, the pointy hook and latterly the terminator hand possibly makes them rethink!

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#45

The bowling alley thing is amazing. You’re a real life J Walter Weatherman!

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#46

I had to google him! I never watched Arrested Development, I assume I should rectify that?

#47

This was a huge temptation when in Australia in 2001, swimming off Manly Bay, the hooter goes off for shark warning and everyone swims like fuck for the shore! I was further out than everyone else so an evil thought did pop up for a nanosecond to grasp my arm screaming as I came out of the sea! I quickly realised this could land me in jail so just legged it out with everyone else.

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#48

The first three seasons are very good, wouldn’t bother with anything after that.

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#49

Was about to argue with this, but I’ll take it to the unpopular opinions thread :wink:

#50

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NICE

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#51

Seriously though, I really loved this video and learning about your arm. Like everyone has said you come across really well on camera, I’d never have known it was your debut :slight_smile:

It’s always slightly bittersweet for me seeing people like you who have really persevered with your prosthetics - when my nan lost her leg, she pretty much gave up straight away. But since then there’s been such amazing advancements and it doesn’t feel as taboo as it used to be (although that might be because I know more open-minded folk these days). The 3D printed Iron Man arms for kids are ridiculously awesome.

One of my work projects involves an old prosthetic arm made for a musician to play piano - she used it in a performance at the Royal Albert Hall:

I’d love to share your video with my colleagues, if that’s ok with you?

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#52

When I grow up I want to be half as cool as Mister @LastAstronaut here. What a dude!

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#53

really enjoyed that ma man, very interesting as as so many others have said you’re a natural in front of the camera, so very laid back and at ease.

Good stuff, i’m already looking forward to the sequel. :slight_smile:

1 Like
#54

Thanks, I’ve been really surprised and pleased by all the positive feedback.

Yes, by all means share away! :slight_smile:

#55

That pianist’s arm is great! Although it does show that in 100 years we haven’t really come that far, although I think as with every other type of tech, the advances are going to come thick and fast now!