At first glance, it looks like a random pile of LEGO pieces, but this is actually a customizable prosthetic arm set for kids. Colombian designer Carlos Torres has unveiled the IKO Creative Prosthetic System, a prosthetic that lets children use their imagination to build their own arm. The interface consists of a battery, charging port, processor unit and a pair of myo-electric sensors for tracking movement of the stump and converting it into a signal. A separate muscle component receives these signals – equipped with a motor and LEGO connectors – carries different attachments on the end. Continue reading for a video and more information.
“Torres then flew to Bogota to test out the design on an eight-year-old Colombian boy named Dario, who had suffered a congenital malformation and had his right arm amputated as a result. On the lighter side, one of the Lego sets Torres brought along was a spaceship fitted with a laser-imitating light brick. On the slightly more practical, but still awesome side was a construction backhoe, which required a power function compatible with the that of the muscle module. Torres says the testing exceeded his expectations and he is starting the process of developing a commercial product. He was unable to give any hints on what such a system might cost, but says they are hopeful it will become available sometime between December 2016 and mid-2017,” reports Gizmag.
