Low-cost 3D-printed prosthetic arm reacts to electrical muscle impulses for mobility
In the world of bionic arms, Unlimited Tomorrow's TrueLimb stands out as a game-changer. This full-arm prosthetic solution, designed to feel like an extension of the body, is revolutionising the lives of adults and children worldwide [1].
Design and Materials
TrueLimb is crafted using PA12 nylon, a highly durable industrial-grade material that is splash-resistant, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, and impact-resistant. The arm includes a rubberized palm and coated fingertips, ensuring a firm grip even on slippery surfaces [1]. This robust yet customised design guarantees durability and practical daily usability.
Control System
Unlike many traditional prosthetics, TrueLimb operates using muscle signals (myoelectric control). This design allows for more intuitive and natural control, making the arm feel more like an extension of the user’s body rather than a mechanical device [1][2].
User Experience
TrueLimb offers a highly personalised fit, created remotely. Users receive a 3D scanner in the mail to capture the exact shape of their residual limb, streamlining customisation and reducing delivery time to just weeks [1]. The device boasts a long-lasting 5600mAh battery with multi-day life and charges via standard USB-C, avoiding the need for proprietary chargers.
Over-the-air software updates improve performance continuously without requiring the prosthesis to be sent back to the manufacturer. Built-in analytics tools help optimise the arm’s function based on actual user behaviour and usage patterns, enhancing efficacy over time [1].
Affordability
Priced under $8,000, TrueLimb dramatically lowers the cost barrier compared to many high-end bionic arms, which often cost tens of thousands of dollars. This makes advanced prosthetics accessible to a broader population [1][3].
In summary, TrueLimb stands out by combining industrial-grade durability, intuitive muscle signal control, rapid and remote custom fitting, long battery life with common charging standards, continuous software improvement, and a significantly lower price point—offering a user-focused, accessible bionic arm solution that feels like a natural body extension rather than a mechanical tool [1][2].
[1] - Unlimited Tomorrow's TrueLimb Press Release [2] - Unlimited Tomorrow's TrueLimb Product Page [3] - Pricing Comparison of Bionic Arms
Technology plays a crucial role in the design and functionality of TrueLimb, as it operates using muscle signals for more intuitive control, while science is evident in its construction with the use of durable nanoyln PA12 and advanced 3D scanning technology for custom fitting. TrueLimb also focuses on health and wellness, aiming to provide medical-conditions-affected individuals with a prosthetic solution that feels like an extension of their bodies. The affordable price point, under $8,000, showcases technology's potential to make advanced medical solutions more accessible to a wider population.
