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The bebionic3

 

The bebionic3 is a myoelectric prosthetic hand developed by RSL Steeper for use by amputee’s and those born without an arm, to greatly increase their standard of life. This means that it is a prosthetic arm capable of being controlled and manipulated by the movement and flexing of muscles in the forearm. bebionic3 is capable of using 14 different grip patterns and hand positions, including a mouse grip, point and relaxed hand, with relative ease and reduced noise. bebionic3 is fitted with a battery intended for a single day’s use before recharge and comes with customizable options for grip strength and sensitivity of movement/control.

The bebionic is a prosthetic arm, available for between $25,000 to $30,000.

 

bebionic3 operates due to user controlled muscle contraction in the forearm. Sensors measure electrical changes, in the skin covering the required muscles. And when said muscles contract, electric signals are sent to the on-board microprocessor, which commands the hand to operate in a specific way. By flexing in a specific way a user can tighten/loosen their grip, and rotate through multiple grip styles. A button on the forearm and manually moving the thumb to either a opposed or non-opposed position enable even more grip styles to be accessed.

 

For optimal grip individual motors are placed in each finger, which enables increased strength when compared to other prosthetics. The latest bebionic is capable of carrying up to 99 pounds, double that of previous models. Microprocessors in each finger consistently monitor the positioning and power being given to each finger to ensure the best grip at all times. An optional auto-grip feature can also be selected, which senses when a griped item is beginning to slip and automatically tightens the grip to ensure a secure hold.

The 14 different gasping patterns can be customized and calibrated using the programming software bebalance to suit a users specific needs. bebalance was designed by RSL Steeper specifically for use with the bebionic3, to help meet specific requirements for the user.

 

Speed control gives the user precise control over delicate tasks, the bebionic is capable of holding an egg or polystyrene cup without problems, but is also able to crush a can.

 

bebionic is mainly made of lightweight, carbon fibre, but also features aluminium and alloy knuckles. The motors in each finger are specifically placed for even weight distribution. allowing for comfortable use. bebionic also features a protective palm design and soft finger pads with a wide thumb profile, for enhanced grip.

 

The first version of the bebionic hand was launched at the World Congress and Orthopädie & Reha-Technik, Trade Show, Leipzig, Germany in May 2010. In September 2011 the bebionic was updated to the bebionic2 which featured improvements to speed, accuracy, grip and durability. New with the bebionic2 was the introduction of two sizes medium and large, as well as high capacity 2200mAh spilt cell internal batteries.

 

In May 2012, the bebionic3 was released at the World Congress and Orthopädie & Reha-Technik, Trade Show, Leipzig, Germany, boasting increased strength and functionality, a rotating wrist mechanism and multiple wrist options as well as new silicon coverings for the bebionic to ensure a realistic hand look.

On the 19th of September 2014, bebionic3 won first prize for best product at the 2014 China International Rehabilitation and Specialist Equipment Exhibition.

The bebionic has one main use, as a prosthetic limb, it gives disabled people independence and even lets them return to work. One main supporter of the bebionic is the US military, which has a rising need for prosthetic limbs, both for operational soldiers and retired veterans. Over all the bebionic is meant for use as a prosthetic arm, but the technology could be used on other projects, like motion control in the entertainment industry, or even operating wheelchairs for the disabled/obese.

 

Each update of the bebionic has featured increased mobility and actions as well as increased strength and functionality for the user. This will likely continue in the future until the technology is the equivalent of an actual human arm.

The bebionic technology could easily expand in the future to be able to replace multiple other body parts, such as the whole arm, a foot, or an entire leg.  On the other hand, future adaptations will likely become smaller and more advanced, with lighter materials being used for easier movement and weight distribution.

 

Who knows, this technology might surpass what is capable by the human body, and give birth to the bionic humans of the science fiction genre. One thing is for sure the bebionic3 (and later generations) will become cheaper and more easily available for those who truly need them in the future.

The bebionic3 is a top-of-the-range prosthesis which uses groundbreaking myoelectric technology to give disabled people full independence. This technology shows no signs of slowing down, and is gaining a lot of praise in the medical industry.