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To the Point

Moving Prosthetic Arms Just by Thinking

Until recently, the different movements of prosthetic arms — bending the elbow, turning the wrist and opening and closing the hand — all required separate motors. They were capable of very limited movement, and each to be separately activated. But that's not so any more.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Until recently, the different movements of prosthetic arms — bending the elbow, turning the wrist and opening and closing the hand — all required separate motors. They were capable of very limited movement, and each to be separately activated. But that's not so any more. Gerald Loeb, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Medical Device Development at the University of Southern California, says there are now artificial arms that people can move by just thinking about it.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Gerald Loeb

    Director of the Medical Device Development Facility, University of Southern California

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