A low-cost prosthetic arm that contains a total of 40 heat sensors to help protect itself and its user from excessive heat is being developed.
Technological University of Mexico spin-off company Protesta is developing the artificial arm made from lightweight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic that will alert the user if it gets too hot.
The present prototype contains a total of 40 heat sensors - 15 in the hand, and 25 along the length of the arm. These are calibrated to 35 degrees Celsius, just below normal human body temperature, 'Gizmag' reported.
When exposed to significantly higher temperatures, the resulting thermal energy is converted into electricity, which is in turn used to activate a vibrating motor in the socket of the prosthesis, which the user feels in their stump.
This will allow the person to take action before the prosthesis is damaged, or before the heat radiates through it and into their own skin.
Additionally, the hand of the device protects itself by automatically closing when excessive heat is detected.
Project leader Carlos Perez Roque claimed that the arm is capable of lifting up to 8 kg, and that it should ultimately retail at USD 2,000 for just the hand and wrist, or USD 2,500 for the entire limb.
