digg

Join DiggAbout

Dean Kamen's Robotic "Luke" Arm watch!

youtube.com — Segway inventor Dean Kamen is looking to re-invent the prosthetic arm. IEEE Spectrum caught up with Kamen and one of his "test pilots," to see the robotic arm (named after Luke Skywalker's articficial limb) in action.

Bury
show profanity settings
expand all
  • optimusprime01, on 03/31/2008, -0/+59Amazing video. I hope they do make a break through, and this robotic arm sees the day light. This invention can help so many people in a way never imaged before. I love it, when the narrator asks chuck hildrath [ the test pilot], "What does it feel like wearing that"?
    He says, " It's kinda liberating".
    • S1ngular1ty1, on 03/31/2008, -0/+12I just hope they don't charge a fortune for it.
      • ralphthemagi, on 03/31/2008, -5/+1They have to. They can't just give it away for free.

        Unlike the Segway though, this is something people would actually pay for, and the price will drop in the future.
        • RepubOperative, on 03/31/2008, -2/+2All the people that lost an arm in the US military should get it for free. Others might be covered by an insurance program the govt can set up.
          • oneoverzero, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1They'd lose a ridiculous amount of money that way. The government should have to pay for the people who lost an arm in the military instead.
      • below413, on 03/31/2008, -1/+4Couldn't medical insurance cover some of the cost?
      • TheMoniker, on 03/31/2008, -0/+0I would imagine that, like any new medical technology, it will first be available to only the privileged few and then it will eventually become cheap enough to be provided by health plans. I'm guessing though, that by the time the first models become "affordable", they'll appear pretty crappy compared with the latest --read: expensive-- prosthetic arms available at that point in time. Although I think that the optimists among those who study such trends would point out that the price performance of the new technology is increasing at an exponential rate, which might help bridge the rich-poor gap. Then again, who knows?
    • CalamariAce, on 03/31/2008, -2/+1Technically it should be a Vader arm since only luke's hand was replaced... and then if the arm is strong enough the wearer can justify lifting some rebel scum by his neck demanding to know where the Death Star plans are.
    • SlipperyFox, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Yeah, but can it play beer pong?
  • bossm4n, on 03/31/2008, -2/+27Although it looks more like the Skynet arm from Terminator 2 at this point than it does Luke's arm, it's remarkable to see inventors inspired once again by science fiction. Dean Kamen is [insert synonym for brilliant].
    • linagee, on 03/31/2008, -1/+1Is it wifi updatable? If it is, why can't it become part of skynet?
    • Elliuotatar, on 03/31/2008, -3/+1Inspired by science fiction? More like science fiction being inspired by the real world. The terminator arm looked like that because it was based ona human skeleton. And so that is what any bionic arm which performs all the functions of a human hand would look like.
  • dotuplink, on 03/31/2008, -15/+33Dean Kamen is truly the modern day Edison.
    • RSS14, on 03/31/2008, -2/+48Yeah, Edison was a prick. More like the modern day Tesla . . . but that may be giving him too much credit ; )
    • oo7evan, on 03/31/2008, -0/+8Indeed, things like this and his efforts in water purification and power supply for the billions of of third world inhabitants, not to mention his efforts for educating today's youths, are what he should be known for. Not the misunderstood (if not maybe a little silly) Segway.

      I was at a Keynote speech of his last year, very inspirational. If these kind of things don't get the average nerd excited (Star Wars AND saving the world?) I don't know what will
    • D3koy, on 03/31/2008, -5/+3He steals pretty good (but not the best) ideas, and in 100 years every school child will know about him?
    • MoofTheStoof, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Dean Kamen has been somebody I've admired for a long time. The Segway got him the most publicity, but it's also his least altruistic invention. Most of his inventions are designed to help people in need. He's a brilliant man doing great things.
  • antdude, on 03/31/2008, -0/+7Article: http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/feb08/5957
    • qaz0101, on 03/31/2008, -1/+3Thanks, this is much better than the video!
  • spammishking, on 03/31/2008, -16/+1I so want one of those...with a fleshlight attachment. I would never leave the house
  • bigbill780, on 03/31/2008, -1/+35Dean Kamen has invented such a broad range of stuff that is actually useful. He lives in the next town over from me and is pretty cool too, he has a big windmill to power his crazy house.
  • badwithcomputer, on 03/31/2008, -13/+8Segway inventor made this? He should put a gyroscope in there so it never falls asleep.
  • Needles13, on 03/31/2008, -2/+39That's incredible. I'm happy to see people inventing things other than weapons.
    • Ganja420, on 03/31/2008, -2/+16And this could never be used as a weapon?
      SIR HAVE YOU EVER PLAYED MORTAL KOMBAT II ???
      Jax had robotic arms
      • Needles13, on 03/31/2008, -1/+3I knew someone would say that!
        To make this arm worthwhile all we need to do is attach several rocket launchers, a knife or two and armor plate it!
    • Aokitsune, on 03/31/2008, -1/+2It is great, but sooner or later these technologies will be weaponized. Whether it manifests as prosthetics to enhance strength or mechanized infantry the size of a Gundam is yet to be soon- but the military will find a use for it.
      Until then- uber kudos to Dean Kamen!
    • andersonwill, on 03/31/2008, -9/+1dugg down for being a hippie
  • Roger, on 03/31/2008, -11/+2Is there a big breakthrough in this design?

    Seems pretty typical to me.
    • romistrub, on 03/31/2008, -1/+9It doesn't seem very "breakthrough" as much as it seems entirely evolutionary.

      Perhaps they're referring to the impact it will have, rather than the technology it employs. In which case, I could see the justification for calling it "breakthrough".
    • DigTheDoug, on 03/31/2008, -4/+2No *****, I am typing this with my robotic arm right now. My other one is secretly giving me the ol' HJ under the table.
    • qaz0101, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1The mechanics are a step in the right direction, but the interface needs improvement.
      • SteeleJK, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Maybe they could team up with the team designing the headset controlled by brainwaves
  • spepog, on 03/31/2008, -10/+3I've met Dean Kamen and he always wears the same clothes. That makes him a modern day Edison.
  • MrTeQ, on 03/31/2008, -9/+1FAP FAP FAP - oh noes!!
    • linagee, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I bet it would sell like hotcakes if it really could do that!
  • JonTheGoose, on 03/31/2008, -5/+63If this is going to be developed for returning veterans, for all they have sacrificed for their country, they could at least add on a laser cannon to it.
  • ehcropydoc, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Liberating to say the least...
  • emmrar, on 03/31/2008, -1/+12You think that's cool?
    Look at this program he founded: http://www.usfirst.org
    • killerofkiller, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3heh what team u from?

      (former 180 here)
      • SSilver2k2, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1im from 108 here :) Go SigmaC@Ts. Man, i graduated in 02. I miss going to FIRST competitions
    • TannerLD, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3Go 1261! :D
    • eightballrj, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3Former 456 here!
    • DevilDriver, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3217 ThunderChickens, Alumni!
      Dean Kamen is one of the greatest minds in science and technology today, and its awesome that he gets to share that with highschool kids. First robotics was the best thing that ever happened to me
      • herohue, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1311 Red Jammers alumni, it's a shame budget cuts in my school stopped this program.
    • ThePieThief, on 04/01/2008, -0/+2current 254 member here! go Cheesy Poofs!
      • valkyries, on 04/01/2008, -0/+1hey cheesy poofs our team won First place in L.A. 8 years ago! (698)
    • valkyries, on 04/01/2008, -0/+1698 right here, just finished my 7th year with the team.
  • Ganja420, on 03/31/2008, -4/+1So how long till he makes a light saber????
    wtf
  • MattFromSeattle, on 03/31/2008, -0/+0Just amazing.
  • kburns, on 03/31/2008, -6/+1this guy must have a lot of free time....good to see he is productive with it!
    • noseeme, on 03/31/2008, -1/+3He does have a lot of free time, he gave a speech at my ***** university, of all places. Drexel University.
    • rahamm, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3Pretty sure inventing stuff is his job
  • Jerryskid02, on 03/31/2008, -0/+16Dean Kamen....Segway...Water Purifier....now arms.....brilliant.
    • B3000, on 03/31/2008, -0/+14You forgot the portable dialysis machine and stair climbing wheel chair - also DK inventions
    • Dotcommer, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2I'm crossing my fingers in hopes that he'll start tackling anti gravity so we can have floating cars and massive cruise ships in the sky.
    • SteeleJK, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I think he should design a segway with arms that also purifies your bottled water, twice. The future is looking good.
  • Gonasadude, on 03/31/2008, -0/+24Listen to the last 4 seconds. The guy hints at doing stuff to his wife with it. ROBOT SEX FTW!
    • kenvsryu, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2Modular means pocket pussy attachment.
    • unfinite, on 03/31/2008, -0/+18"I've been able to do stuff with this that...I havent" *thinking about masturbating* "...seriously haven't done in 26 years."
      "Like what?"
      "Uhhhhhhh" *thinking about masturbating* "Pick up a banana."
    • sb66, on 03/31/2008, -0/+7masturbating would be a bad time for a malfunction
  • RlAA, on 03/31/2008, -4/+5Excuse my ignorance, but could anyone explain to me how a prosthetic arm, or any limb for that matter, works? How does the operator...well, operate it?
    • S1ngular1ty1, on 03/31/2008, -1/+13Through the Force.
    • B3000, on 03/31/2008, -2/+13I would say RTFA but its a video, so WTFV.
      • RlAA, on 03/31/2008, -0/+4I watched it but that's all I can do, I don't currently have speakers, so my bad then if they explained it within the video, but I couldn't hear any of it.
        • synystar, on 03/31/2008, -1/+2Video without speakers is almost like audio without ... um... speakers. Gotta do something about that.
      • NinjaBoy, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Ok, it works by these pedals he wears in his shoes. He can use some of this muscles in the shoulder to switch it from rotating to moving and gripping.
    • killerofkiller, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1it's on a person to person basis.. some people would be lucky enough to have it attached to nerves and muscles to make it almost as natural as using a real arm.. others have foot pedals that they can use to operate it
    • PhrosTT, on 03/31/2008, -0/+6when u lose a limb u still have nerve endings in your stub (or whatever p.c. term is) that your brain sends electrical impulses to.... it's just that there's no longer a hand to react to the electrical signals..

      so depending on the injury you'll have a chunk of nerves left... some people have a bunch while others only have a couple or none.

      that's why the robot arm needs customizable controls so they can custom map whatever nerves u have left to the various controls.

      sometimes u have none left which is why they had the ability to map controls to your toe movements.
      • LGod, on 03/31/2008, -1/+1I am a double amputee and you can call it stub, nub or whatever you want. But, if you are curious the p.c. term would be residual limb.
    • tyywebb, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1They need to get it over with figure out how to connect these directly to the motor cortex so we can have real cyborgs.
    • mrASSMAN, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1in short: microchips in the arm process the information being sent through the remaining nerves via electric signals by the brain to control the electric motors in the prosthetic arm. even shorter: direct mind control.
  • cnot3, on 03/31/2008, -1/+4What if something goes wrong while a two armed person is experimenting with them! I foresee Dean Kamen becoming a real life Doctor Octopus.
  • ericd, on 03/31/2008, -0/+9He has a TED talk on this very subject, I was quite moved after watching it.
    http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/10

    This guy is going to change the world, or just maybe save it.
    • mrASSMAN, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Yeah i've seen that, really great demonstration. TED has tons of fantastic presentations, everyone should check them out.
    • valkyries, on 04/01/2008, -0/+1thanks for the video
  • trotskyist, on 03/31/2008, -2/+3Dean Kamen is a god.
  • jakatan, on 03/31/2008, -4/+7was I the only one that was afraid he was going to say "masturbate" when asked what it was he hadn't done in so long?
    • below413, on 03/31/2008, -0/+8Not sure why you're being dugg down I thought the same thing when she goes "like what?" And he pauses and is like "uhh... pick up a banana?" Now his wife doesn't have to "pick up his banana" for him!
    • Augie1969, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2Actually, this time, yes.

      Though when he was speaking about his wife, I did have some odd images pop into my hed.
  • noseeme, on 03/31/2008, -4/+9I am so getting my friend to cut my arm off if it can give me superhuman strength.
  • stackolee, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2The future is now, the future is now (give or take a year to reach consumers)...
  • darylspong, on 03/31/2008, -2/+2I went straight to the video thinking Dean Cain invented some badass robotic arm, and was slightly disappointed to see that what I had read was in fact Dean 'Kamen.'

    :(
  • LucidDr34m3r, on 03/31/2008, -0/+16I suffer from a disability where I have only maybe 10% use out of my right arm, and I'm waiting for the day that a robotic arm with a good interface would replace my current organic arm. This is a VERY promising development. If coupled with the technology to control these robotic extensions with the mind, it may only be a matter of 10 years before we have a robot arm thats indistinguishable from a fleshy arm. I'm VERY excited to hear about technology like this. If you have any questions for me, please ask.
    • ralphthemagi, on 03/31/2008, -21/+1Just chop off your organic arm and replace it with a stick. That's what I did, and I've never been happier. How many people have a stick arm? Girls are totally hot for it.
    • elTito, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2I've seen and read some very promising things lately in regards to the development of the interfacing technology required to make that a reality and came away with the impression that it is almost within reach - like the next 10 to 20 years. They've already...erm, wired up a monkey to play video games with its mind, so I think at this point it's just a matter of evolving the technology.

      I honestly have no idea why, but if there were any way in the world for me to get out of what I'm doing now be able to design and develop prosthetics I would do it in a split second. It's the only career field I've ever contemplated which has evoked such passion for me. For your sake and that of so many like you I sincerely hope and pray that something as incredible as what some some speculate may come to fruition in the next decade or two actually does so.
    • mrASSMAN, on 03/31/2008, -2/+1They already control these with the mind. That's the way this guy was controlling the Luke arm.
      • MisterRik, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2No, he was using foot controls. The option for nerve/muscle control is there though
  • eManX01, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2Now the decision to get a tattoo is even easier. And it also plays mp3's.
  • knifesideleft, on 03/31/2008, -5/+0Meh it's alright but the big downside is all the controls to the damn thing for one. It wont really be that amazing till they figure out how to add the arm with all the new brain to machine technology. Like when they got the monkeys to control a robot arm from across the room only using thought. When they can move their arm like they use to instead of doing things like pushing on multiple sensors with their feet with a good range of motion then I'll be truly impressed
    • Shizlanski, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1The thing is that after they use the control with feet or muscles etc as input for a while it'll become second nature. After a month or so i think it would be very natural for them and the tactile feedback (with the vibrating thing in the vid) would be very valuable.

      Controling it with mind would be awesome though :P
  • HiKevinRose, on 03/31/2008, -1/+2Dean Kamen is a saint. Between this arm and his water purifier, he's really crankin' out the karma. Well done.
    • killerofkiller, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1dont forget the ibot..the wheelchair that can climb stairs
  • boydrew, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Kamen is as much a humanitarian as he is an amazing inventor. I remember reading about his designs to make sterling engines (engines that run off heat) to purify water in Africa...really interesting stuff on top of what he's doing with these prosthetics.
  • B3000, on 03/31/2008, -0/+8This brings up a huge and important question which I think needs to be addressed - who will guys like this side with in the coming war between robots and humans?.
    • dvdcpu, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1They will be cast-off from both as human-robot hybrids. The lowest form of being.
  • kakarot1232001, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Now, I am happy, knowing that by the time I am old, I be able to put my head onto a robot and walk around. :)
  • calvmari, on 03/31/2008, -3/+6"What are you going to do when you get home?"
    What he said: Peel and eat a banana for the first time in 26 years
    What he was thinking: Wank for the first time in 26 years!
    • mogdor, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2I hope for his sake the arm doesn't malfunction and try to peel the wrong thing.
    • powerfullogic, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2I have to admit I was thinking the same thing, would be great to have a wank after all that time.
      • charlie55, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1the guy wanted to answer honestly and talk about the glorious wanks he has been knockin out, but the interviewer was a lady, and there was a camera there.
  • Evilstanley, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3Dean Kamen is changing the world through DEKA and their inventions. He's also insuring this country's future by shaping the next generation of engineers, scientists, and technologists through FIRST. It's amazing what a person can do with unlimited resolve and compassion.
    • powerfullogic, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I agree now if he'll just make a new brain for Bush.
  • mogdor, on 03/31/2008, -0/+8For extra bad-assery, get the "wolverine" upgrade.
  • felidaeus, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Dean Kamen IS your Father Luke.
  • jwalk81980, on 03/31/2008, -1/+1I wonder if it throws that guy off being left handed now.
  • LawJik, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2Short TED Talk by Dean Kamean on the "Luke" arm.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiJzJ771vDw&feature ...
  • captaincanuck76, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I saw Dean speak at Solidworks World 2008. He is an amazing person and I think the FIRST program is awesome. We need more people like him.
  • BlackJackJester, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Definitely a step in the right direction. I'm hoping within 10 years or so they can figure out a lighter power source other than a bulky battery. If they could figure something out like a biometric charger (like is in some watches), where the natural movement of the body would recharge the arm, thats the next step, followed by giving it a fleshy look (maybe covering it with ballistic gel and paint? yay mythbusters!)
  • synystar, on 03/31/2008, -0/+2He can pick up a drill. When it comes out of his hand I'm cutting off my arm.
  • seanchen07, on 03/31/2008, -0/+0how many people imagined him turning into an evil robot when he got his claw on that drill. i was praying for some terminator type *****. down with skynet!
  • knight666, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Look, okay, English isn't my first language, so when the guy is explaining how it works, and you keep the sound at a low level, all I hear is
    "wuwuwuwuw luke arm wuwuwuwuw processors wuwuwuwuw contract"

    And I was shocked to hear that the prostetic arm hasn't changed since the American Civil War. :O
  • cerealjynx, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1Wow, awesome. Anyone else feel like playing with gasoline and matches?
  • anon902503, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I'm holding out for the full-body prosthetic, myself.
  • charlie55, on 03/31/2008, -0/+3i would be terrified to shake hands with that guy. i know that arm desperately wants to crush my bones.
  • chard, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1I wonder how much longer will we put in prosthetic limbs once we start to regrow whole limbs?
    • elTito, on 03/31/2008, -0/+1A hundred years off, at least.

      Unless they actually make the atomic computer work and it is as demi-god like as they say it will be. Then we'll have all the answers to everything, heh.
  • Voltaje, on 03/31/2008, -0/+0I'm singing the Dean Kamen song, You all dance. Keep it real Dean (but, keep it going).
  • Fetching more discussions...
    Show 51 - 61 of 61 discussions
  •  

    Login or register to add a comment

    Create a new account or login to join in the conversation on Digg. You'll also be able to Digg stories to help promote things you like.


© Digg Inc. 2008 — Content posted by Digg users is dedicated to the public domain.
DIGG, DIGG IT, DUGG, DIGG THIS, Digg graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, scripts, and other service names are the trademarks of Digg Inc.