Limbitless Solutions and Microsoft’s 343 Industries have teamed up to create 3D-printed, Halo-themed prosthetic arms for children, and they’re not just for looks, but rather fully functional, complete with hands capable of gripping objects through EMG sensors. They plan on donating these free of charge to recipients. In 2019, Limbitless will expand its prosthetic arm line for children, which already includes an Iron Man arm, with two Halo-themed options – a Master Chief Mark VI gauntlet replica and a “multiplayer” version that can be customized. Read more for another video, additional pictures and information.
This isn’t Microsoft’s first foray into accessories for those with disabilities, as they released the Xbox Adaptive controller back in September and it helps make user input for video games more accessible. The face sports two large, domed buttons that can be mapped to any function using the Xbox Accessories app, a large d-pad, menu / view buttons, and an Xbox home button. The controller boasts USB ports on either side that are used to connect devices that map to analog stick functions, while the back has nineteen 3.5 mm jacks that allow multiple assistive input devices to be connected, with each jack corresponding to a different button, trigger, bumper or d-pad function on the standard Xbox One controller.
“Limbitless says that games are a great gateway for kids to feel comfortable with their new prosthetic arms, and so the company makes its own video games to help kids adapt to their 3D printed arms. EMG sensors pick up on different flex patterns on the arm, which allow the user to control the fingers. With video game-inspired prosthetic arms that look this cool, maybe kids can be empowered to feel like heroes,” reports The Verge.
